Babatunde Aléshé has been revealed as the latest celebrity participant for the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.

The 39-year-old actor and comedian, known for his stint on I’m A Celebrity in 2022, will take to the dance floor alongside professional dancer Nancy Xu.

Reflecting on his past, Babatunde shared, “Back in college, I dabbled in dancing, particularly Street Locking and Break Dancing, but eventually comedy took the forefront of my career.”

He humorously added, “At 39, I’ve come to terms with the fact that a decent two-step usually gets me through most events. However, I know I’ll need more than that for Strictly! Here’s hoping my old dance skills resurface just in time for Christmas.”

The festive episode is set to be filmed on December 9, with audiences able to enjoy it on December 25.

During his time on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2022, Babatunde was the fifth contestant to be voted out.

Babatunde Aléshé, 39, is the fifth celebrity to be announced for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special

The actor and comedian, who appeared on I’m A Celebrity in 2022, will be paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu in the ballroom 

After conquering his fear of heights earlier in the series, the comedian bid farewell to the camp after ending up in the bottom two with Seann Walsh.

EastEnders star Nicholas Bailey was the fourth star to be announced as part of the star-studded line-up.

The actor, 54, who plays Doctor Anthony Trueman, will be joining Babatunde alongside previously announced stars Scarlett Moffatt, All Saint’s Melanie Blatt and Gladiators star Jodie Ounsle.

Gladiators star Jodie, 24, was announced as the third celebrity joining the lineup on Monday.

Jodie, who will be paired with professional dancer Neil Jones, said: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be doing the Strictly Christmas Special. Being the first female rugby player means a lot to me too. I honestly can’t wait to get stuck in, I’m used to smashing into people so this is definitely going to be a challenge!’

All Saint’s Melanie was announced as the second celebrity to compete, also on Monday.

Singer Melanie, 50, is set to join Gogglebox star Scarlett, 35, on the dance floor and she will be paired with Kai Widdrington, 30, who danced with reality star Vicky Pattison, 38, in this year’s main competition.

Speaking ahead of the show, Melaine said: ‘If you can’t have a dance at Christmas, when can you?!’

Nancy Xu will be making a return to the Christmas Strictly special this year with the comedian  

EastEnders’ Nicholas Bailey has signed up for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, just months after his shock return to the BBC soap 

All Saint’s Melanie Blatt was announced as the second celebrity to compete in the upcoming Christmas special on Monday 

Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley, 24, was announced as the third celebrity joining the lineup

Scarlett Moffatt was the first celebrity confirmed to be taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special

‘I’m so excited to meet Kai and start training to make this a dance to remember.’

Melanie was part of All Saints alongside Natalie Appleton, 52, Nicole Appleton, 50, Shaznay Lewis, 50, and Simone Rainford.

The girl band were together between 1993 and 2001, reunited again between 2006 and 2008 and then another stint from 2013 to 2022.

Some of their best known songs include Never Ever Pure Shores and Black Coffee.