Strictly Come Dancing announces winner of 2019 Christmas special

Christmas Day just wouldn't be the same without Strictly Come Dancing's annual Christmas special. This year was no different, with a host of fan favourites returning to the show.

But it was the lovely Debbie McGee who took the special seasonal glitter star home, following her performance with last year's winning pro Kevin Clifton.

EMBARGOED 00:00:01 Tuesday 17/12/2019, Strictly Come Dancing - Christmas Special 2019, Debbie McGee

Guy Levy//BBC

They performed a quickstep to Michael Bublé's 'Jingle Bells', getting a perfect score of 40 from the judges.

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"I wasn't expecting it," said Debbie. "It's just amazing but you know, everybody has been fantastic – I think it's everybody's because we all had a great time, everyone did such great dances."

The winner was decided by the studio audience.

EMBARGOED 00:00:01 Tuesday 17/12/2019, Strictly Come Dancing - Christmas Special 2019, Gemma Atkinson

Guy Levy//BBC

Other contestants returning included former Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson who performed a Jive to 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus'.

After originally dancing with Aljaz Skorjanec, Gemma was paired with her real-life partner and father to her daughter Mia, Gorka Marquez. The couple scored 35.

Another couple on the dance floor was YouTube star Joe Sugg and girlfriend Dianne Buswell. They scored a perfect 40 for their Street Commercial to 'Sleigh Ride' by District 78.

EMBARGOED 00:00:01 Tuesday 17/12/2019, Strictly Come Dancing - Christmas Special 2019, Joe Sugg

Guy Levy//BBC

Former TOWIE star Mark Wright and Janette Manrara performed a Salsa to 'Christmas Wrapping' by The Waitresses which scored them 35.

Holby City star Chizzy Akudolu danced a Cha Cha with Graziano Di Prima to 'Get The Party Started' by Shirley Bassey and scored 36.

EMBARGOED 00:00:01 Tuesday 17/12/2019, Strictly Come Dancing - Christmas Special 2019, Richard Arnold

Guy Levy//BBC

Good Morning Britain's Richard Arnold also returned to dance with Luba Mushtuk, performing a Foxtrot to 'You're A Mean One, Mr Grinch' by Sabrina Carpenter. They received a score of 32 for their performance.

One Direction star Liam Payne also made an appearance to sing 'All I Want for Christmas', with a special dance performance from Strictly pros Johannes Radebe and Nadiya Bychkova.