Who Won the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special Amid Fix Claims?

This year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special crowned TV star Scarlett Moffatt and her dance partner Vito Coppola as the champions after they achieved a perfect score for their Cha Cha routine to Cher’s "DJ Play A Christmas Song". Their win, which combined judges' scores and audience votes, highlights the festive spirit of the show and Moffatt's ability to captivate both judges and viewers alike.

Last updated: 25 December 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Scarlett Moffatt has been named the winner of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, much to the delight of fans and the audience. The victory comes after a performance that not only showcased her dancing skills but also highlighted the festive atmosphere of the show. Moffatt expressed her joy in a post-performance interview, stating that this win is the greatest gift she could receive this Christmas.

Key takeaways

Scarlett Moffatt and Vito Coppola achieved a perfect score in the Christmas Special.
The couple performed a Cha Cha to Cher’s festive hit, earning praise from the judges.
Moffatt faced criticism over her previous dance experience but defended herself effectively.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to this year’s Christmas Special began with the overall series of Strictly Come Dancing, which aired its latest season starting in September 2023. The Christmas Special, a highlight of the series, aired on 25 December 2023, showcasing a blend of festive cheer and competitive spirit.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Scarlett Moffatt and Vito Coppola's perfect score and subsequent win is the latest highlight, showcasing the pair's chemistry and skill on the dance floor. Moffatt's emotional response and joy at winning have resonated deeply with viewers.

What was already established

Prior to the special, Moffatt faced scrutiny regarding her previous dance experience, which she addressed in interviews. The festive edition of Strictly has historically been a platform for celebrities to showcase their talents and connect with audiences during the holiday season.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The festive nature of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special creates a sense of community and shared experience among UK households. This year’s special, watched by millions, reinforces the show’s popularity and the tradition of family viewing during the holidays.

Businesses and jobs

As a high-profile television event, Strictly impacts various sectors, including broadcasting, advertising, and entertainment. The production provides numerous jobs within the creative industry, highlighting the importance of such shows for employment and economic activity.

Policy and regulation

The regulatory landscape surrounding television broadcasting and entertainment remains relevant, particularly concerning issues of fairness and transparency in competitions like Strictly. The claims of 'fixing' that arose during this season may prompt discussions about regulations governing reality TV competitions in the UK.

Numbers that matter

40 - the perfect score achieved by Moffatt and Coppola.
75 minutes - the length of the Christmas Special episode.
2014 - the year Moffatt first appeared on Gogglebox.
35 - Moffatt’s age, reflecting her journey in the entertainment industry.
Millions - the estimated viewership for the Christmas Special, showcasing its popularity.

Definitions and jargon buster

Strictly Come Dancing: A popular British television dance show where celebrities partner with professional dancers to compete in ballroom and Latin dance.
Cha Cha: A lively, rhythmic Latin dance characterized by its playful and energetic style.
Christmas Special: A themed episode of a show aired during the festive season, often featuring holiday-themed performances.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans can expect to see more engagements from the winners as they participate in various promotional activities following their victory. Interviews and appearances are likely to increase as the festive buzz continues.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The public’s interest in Moffatt may lead to new opportunities for her within the entertainment industry, potentially including hosting gigs or participation in future television projects.

Signals to watch

Future casting announcements for upcoming seasons of Strictly Come Dancing.
Moffatt’s upcoming projects or collaborations in the entertainment sector.
Viewership ratings for the Christmas Special, which may influence future programming decisions.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with the show by watching and supporting your favourite contestants.
Participate in social media discussions about the performances.
Consider attending live performances of dance shows for a unique experience.

Don’t

Spread unfounded claims of 'fixing' without evidence.
Miss out on the festive spirit that comes with watching shows like Strictly.
Let negativity overshadow the joy of watching performances.

Checklist

Watch the Christmas Special on BBC iPlayer if you missed it.
Follow your favourite contestants and judges on social media for updates.
Engage with community discussions about dance and performances online.
Plan to watch future seasons of Strictly Come Dancing.
Share your thoughts on the performances with friends and family.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Christmas Special was a highlight for many, the ongoing discussions about fairness in reality TV competitions raise questions. The allegations of 'fixing' indicate a need for transparency in how results are determined, especially in pre-recorded formats like this one. Fans must remain vigilant about the integrity of such shows while enjoying the performances.

Bottom line

Scarlett Moffatt's victory in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special represents not only her personal achievement but also the enduring appeal of the show in bringing festive joy to viewers. As the discussions around fairness continue, it’s essential for viewers to focus on the entertainment value and community spirit that Strictly embodies.

FAQs

Who won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special?

Scarlett Moffatt and her partner Vito Coppola won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special with a perfect score.

What song did Scarlett Moffatt dance to?

Scarlett Moffatt performed a Cha Cha to Cher's "DJ Play A Christmas Song" during the Christmas Special.

Where can I watch the Christmas Special?

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.