EastEnders icon Tamzin Outhwaite speaks out as she joins Strictly Christmas special

Motsi and Shirley are back for the festive special (Image: BBC/Guy Levy)

An EastEnders favourite is set to grace the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor this Christmas.

Tamzin Outhwaite has been confirmed as the fifth celebrity to participate in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. She joins a star-studded line-up that already includes comedian Josh Widdicombe, drag artist Tayce, TV presenter Vogue Williams and Gladiators' Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, also known as Nitro. One more participant is yet to be announced.

The news of Tamzin's involvement was revealed on tonight's episode of It Takes Two. She will be paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, who partnered with Sam Quek in this year's main Strictly series.

Tamzin is best recognised for her role as DCI Sasha Miller in the popular BBC detective show New Tricks. She has also appeared in Hotel Babylon and Murder Is Easy.

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Tamzin is known for her role in EastEnders (Image: ExpressStar)

Soap opera enthusiasts will remember Tamzin for her portrayal of Mel Owen in EastEnders. In addition to her television roles, Tamzin has starred in Out Of Control and shared the screen with Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Robbie Coltrane in Mike Newell's Great Expectations. Her theatre credits include Abigail's Party and the West End revival of Noises Off.

Discussing her participation in the show, she expressed: "I'm so excited to swap the stage for the Strictly Ballroom this Christmas. I'm used to performing in front of a live audience, but this is a whole new experience. I can't wait to immerse myself in all things glitter and sequins, let's hope the judges show Nikita and I some extra festive cheer this Christmas!"

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Tamzin Outhwaite has signed up for the special (Image: BBC)

The panel of judges, including Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas, will return for the Christmas special to critique the performances. One more celebrity participant is due to be announced later this week.

Earlier, Gladiators and Olympian star Nitro was confirmed as a contestant.

On joining the show, Harry stated: "STRICTLY... ARE YOU READY? ! Nitro's blasting onto the Ballroom floor this Christmas! I'm swapping my trainers for dancing shoes, and trust me, I'm bringing the power, the energy and the moves! This December I'm gonna light up that dance floor and crank the Christmas spirit all the way UP. Let's do this!"

*Strictly: It Takes Two airs weekdays at 6.30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

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