The glittering Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special for 2025 has crowned its champions, but the festive victory was clouded by controversy over alleged judging bias and yet another premature results leak.
A Perfect Score Seals the Festive Victory
TV personality Scarlett Moffatt, 35, and her professional partner Vito Coppola triumphed in the 75-minute BBC special, which aired on Christmas Day. The pair closed the show with a vibrant Cha Cha to Cher's 'DJ Play A Christmas Song', earning a flawless score of 40 from the judging panel. Combined with the vote from the studio audience, this secured them the coveted Christmas Star Trophy.
An elated Moffatt, speaking to host Tess Daly, struggled to contain her joy. "This is amazing! I feel like I should have prepared a speech!" she laughed. "This is honestly the greatest gift that could have ever happened at Christmas. We've all just had the best time!"
Winner Forced to Address 'Fix' Allegations
The Gogglebox star's win did not come without pre-show scrutiny. Following the announcement of her casting, some critics questioned her previous dance experience, noting she had competed in contests as a child and had met Strictly judge Anton Du Beke.
Moffatt firmly defended herself against suggestions of an unfair advantage. Speaking to The Sun, she said, "I feel they've really hyped me up. I enjoy dancing, but that was when I was a little girl, I'm 35 now. I did dance, but it was so long ago." Upon her initial casting reveal, she had expressed that the series "always held a special place in my heart" and described being part of the Christmas special as "truly magical".
Spoiler Leak and Stellar Line-Up Mar Festivities
Despite the on-screen cheer, the special was once again undermined by a spoiler leak ahead of its live broadcast. The results, historically leaked by websites such as StrictlySpoiler, were shared online early, incensing dedicated fans.
Viewers took to social media platform X to voice their anger. User @margare55125842 stated, "Won't be watching Strictly again even at Christmas," while @WilliamMil8h86 commented, "Not going to waste my time watching ?, for protest for Lewis and Katya."
The special itself featured a festive line-up of celebrities and professionals, all scoring highly. The contestants included:
- Comedian Babatunde Aléshé with Nancy Xu
- Singer Brian McFadden with Michelle Tsiakkas
- Gladiators' star Jodie Ounsley (Fury) with Neil Jones
- All Saints singer turned cook Melanie Blatt with Kai Widdrington
- EastEnders actor Nicholas Bailey with Luba Mushtuk
The show opened with a group routine to Kelly Clarkson's 'Grown Up Christmas List' and 'We Need A Little Christmas'. It concluded with a final performance to 'Happy Holiday', featuring the judges and ending with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's iconic final sign-off from the Strictly ballroom.
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025 is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
