O Come, All Ye Graceful!

Debbie McGee on her joy at returning to the ballroom and why 2020 holds an exciting new challenge…

- Emma Bullimore

It wouldn’t be Christmas without watching sequin-clad celebrities and professionals swirling and twirling around the dance floor while we’re flaked out on the sofa, stuffed to the gills with festive treats!

Yes, the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special is back with six more familiar faces looking to lift the coveted Silver Star trophy.

Among those heading back to the ballroom is TV Times favorite and 2017 finalist Debbie McGee, swapping original partner Giovanni Pernice for Kevin Clifton.

Here, in an exclusive interview, Debbie, 61, tells us about dusting off her dancing shoes, and why Christmas will always be a special time, even without her beloved late husband, Paul Daniels…

Are you pleased to be back?

Yes! You can’t imagine how excited I am – it’s just fantastic. The moves have come back quite easily but I’m doing a fast dance, so my nerves will depend on whether I’ve got the energy to get through to the end!

How does it feel to be dancing with Kevin, not Giovanni?