He’s just announced he has split from his wife and Danny Cipriani has been taking his mind off things with a new career move.
The sportsman and Keisha Buchanan are the latest celebrities to be confirmed for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2023.
The festive episode of the BBC dancing show will air on Christmas day itself and is a beloved tradition for many.
The Strictly ballroom will be transformed into a winter wonderland in a magical blend of dance, glitter, and cheer as six brand-new celebrities will battle to be crowned Christmas champion.
All four judges from this year’s season are set to return as Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas will take to the panel.
The newly single England rugby player Danny, 36, admitted he is ‘very much looking forward to expressing himself through dance’ and bring joy to people at Christmas.
Exciting: England rugby player Danny Cipriani is the latest celebrity to be confirmed for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2023 which will air on Christmas day
Amazing: Meanwhile Sugababes singer Keisha will be paired up with Strictly favourite Gorka Márquez, she said: ‘ I am so excited to be taking part’
Danny will take to the dance floor with professional dancer Jowita Przystał.
Danny said: ‘I’ve always enjoyed the concept of Strictly Come Dancing, it wasn’t something I ever thought I’d do.
‘After addressing my own ideas and beliefs, I am very much looking forward to expressing myself through dance with no limitations.
‘Strictly brings joy to everyone’s living rooms, being a part of that for Christmas Day will be special.’
Meanwhile Sugababes singer Keisha will be paired up with Strictly favourite Gorka Márquez, who was partnered with Nikita Kanda on the main show this year.
The founding member of the platinum selling girl group gushed that she is ‘excited’ to learn some new dance moves.
She said: ‘I am so excited to be taking part, and over Christmas too, my favourite time of the year!
‘I am looking forward to learning some new moves and embracing the dancefloor!’
Wow: Also taking part in the special is actress Tillie Amartey who will be paired up with professional dancer Neil Jones. She said: ‘The nerves are real, but I am super excited’
Over: The news comes after Danny announced that he is splitting from his wife Victoria, who he married in April 2021
It’s over: The pair sparked speculation their relationship was in trouble when they unfollowed each other on social media
Oopsy: Danny released a statement to announce the news, telling his Instagram followers that he ‘only wished the best’ for his ex
Also taking part in the special is actress Tillie Amartey who will be paired up with professional dancer Neil Jones.
Tillie, who has worked on shows for Sky, CBBC, Channel 5 and will soon take on the role as Stace Neville on BBC’s Waterloo Road, said she is feeling the ‘pressure’ due to her family loving the dancing competition.
She admitted the ‘nerves are real’ as she prepares to transform into sparkles for the spectacular special.
She said: ‘My family have been avid fans of Strictly since forever so no pressure!
‘The nerves are real, but I am super excited to bring some much-needed joy to the telly while I shimmy and sparkle my two left feet through the Christmas special!’
It comes after Danny announced that he is splitting from his wife Victoria, who he married in April 2021.
The sportsman and the mental health campaigner, 42, called time on their relationship a fortnight ago following a series of ‘difficult’ rows over text messages on his phone, MailOnline exclusively revealed.
Now Danny’s estranged wife Victoria has revealed the athlete announced their split ‘without prior notice’ as she detailed her great deal of pain.’
At the time, Danny released a statement to announce the news, telling his Instagram followers that he ‘only wished the best’ for his ex.
But now Victoria has announced that shockingly, she was ‘made aware of the situation at the same time as the public’ in a now deleted post.
Big reveal: Joining the trio will be BBC Breakfast’s Sally Nugent who will be partnered with pro Graziano Di Prima, who danced with Zara McDermott on this year’s series
Big role: Historian Dan Snow is paired with Nadiya Bychkova and said: ‘I am absolutely terrified about hitting the dance floor
She wrote: ‘Danny publicly announced our split without any prior notice or discussion with me. I was made aware of the situation at the same time as the public, and this has caused me a great deal of pain.
‘I apologise if my reactions and responses have seemed reactive or emotionally charged.
‘The truth is, I am still going through a difficult time, and it is challenging for me to see Danny speaking about our seperation publicly while I have not yet found the strength to process it, adjust or heal.
Victoria concluded: ‘I really don’t want to be caught up in the fanfare. Sorry for any hurt I have caused.’
The couple, who married in April 2021, are set to call in divorce lawyers after they parted a fortnight ago.
A source in their inner circle and close to the couple revealed that up until the summer, all had been well in the marriage.
Joining the celebrity trio in the ballroom will be BBC Breakfast’s Sally Nugent, historian Dan Snow and EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick.
Sally will be partnered with pro Graziano Di Prima, who danced with Zara McDermott on this year’s series.
The presenter has seen her career go from strength to strength in recent years, going from a sports journalist to becoming a permanent presenter of BBC Breakfast to replace Louise Minchin in late 2021.
Dancing shoes on: Jamie Borthwick will be paired with Nancy Xu
Last year: Alexandra and Kai raised their trophy in the air as their fellow celeb contestants cheered them on in the sidelines
Group performance: The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas line-up last year included professional dancers Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Amy Dowden, Luba Mushtuk and Giovanni Pernice – who opened the show with a festive routine
Meanwhile Dan is paired with Nadiya Bychkova and said: ‘I am absolutely terrified about hitting the dance floor.
‘But I love getting out of my comfort zone and I’ve always wanted to learn how to dance properly. So I thought it was now or never!’
Jamie – who is best known for playing Jay Brown in EastEnders for over 17 years- will be paired with Nancy Xu.
Last year, Corrie’s Alexandra Mardell won the festive show with pro Kai Widdrington after earning a perfect score with their fun Quickstep.
She dressed up as a reindeer, while Kai got into the spirit in a matching Santa costume.
The group performed a sensational routine to a festive medley of Let It Snow, The Nutcracker Suite and Santa Claus is Coming To Town.
The latest episode of Strictly saw Angela Rippon leave the ballroom after an intensely competitive week at Blackpool.
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day.
