Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special: Aston Merrygold and Janette Manrara win fairytale festive show

Their dazzling jive won the judges over
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Natasha Sporn25 December 2018

JLS star Aston Merrygold was crowned the champion of this year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.

The singer jived his way to victory with professional dancer Janette Manrara, his partner from series 15, to CeeLo Green’s What Christmas Means To Me.

Merrygold, who was eliminated in a shock week seven exit last year, wowed the judges and the audience with a perfect routine, receiving a full house and putting him top of the tree.

As he lifted the Silver Star trophy, Merrygold said: “Honestly, just thank you. I’ve had the best, best time from the series to the Christmas special, even to just meeting new friends.

Winner: Aston Merrygold jived his way to victory with Janette Manrara
BBC / Guy Levy

“The judges you guys, thank you so much for your comments, everyone in here just thank you, and this woman [Janette] right here.”

Merrygold was one of six celebrities who returned to the dancefloor for the festive fairytale extravaganza on Christmas Day.

Sisters: Ann Widdecombe and Anton Du Beke went full panto fairytale for their dance
BBC / Guy Levy

Former champion Caroline Flack – who won series 12 in 2014 – and Strictly icon Ann Widdecombe were among those who came back for the special.

Jake Wood, Michael Vaughan and Anita Rani also dusted off their dancing shoes and raided the dressing up box for the one-off episode.

Manrara's win with Merrygold was the second time she has lifted the Silver Star, having won the Christmas show in 2016 with Melvin Odoom.

And Merrygold became the second JLS star to have tasted glory following bandmate J.B Gill who danced to victory in the 2012 special with Ola Jordan.

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special - In Pictures

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Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special is available to catch up on BBC iPlayer.

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