Strictly Christmas Special 2018, review: Aston Merrygold jives to justice, while Ann Widdecombe delights with two left feet

Strictly’s Christmas gift to viewers was a fairy-tale theme, a heartwarming winner and a former politician with two left feet.  Here are all the talking points from the ballroom franchise’s festive special…

Aston Merrygold jived his way to justice

Former JLS boybander Aston Merrygold had unfinished ballroom business after being eliminated controversially early from the 2017 series. Tipped as a likely finalist, he ended up coming way down in 10th place - sent home before the likes of Ruth Langsford and Susan Calman. 

Here he was reunited with dance partner Janette Manrara for a high-energy jive to CeeLo Green’s version of What Christmas Means to Me. Merrygold came out full of intent with flicks, kicks and feet of fire. His Santa’s sackful of tricks included cartwheels, jazz splits and streetdance flourishes. 

Judge Bruno Tonioli said he was “born to jive”, while Craig Revel Horwood declared it “out-stan-ding!”. The panel awarded a clean sweep of 10s for a perfect 40 - two points more than his previous highest. Merrygold duly busted out a celebratory backflip up on Claudia Winkleman’s tinsel-draped balcony. 

Closest rival Caroline Flack also scored 40, but when the judges’ scores were combined with the audio audience’s votes, Aston was the winner. A wrong had been righted, giving this seasonal story a happy ending. 

That glitter star trophy is the ideal gift to mark his cute baby son Grayson’s first Christmas. It’s also pro Janette’s second win in three Christmases, having previously lifted the trophy with Melvin Odoom. She must love this time of year. 

Ann Widdecombe’s comeback was a Christmas treat

Former Conservative politician Ann Widdecombe infamously flew onto the Strictly dancefloor in 2010 and happily confessed that she hadn’t dance a step since. Well, it showed. 

Widdy was endearingly delighted to be back in the arms of long-suffering Anton Du Beke, playing Cinderella’s “wicked stepsisters” (we’re not allowed to call them ugly anymore) and attempting an American Smooth to Sisters by Rosemary Clooney. 

“It’s going to be stylish, elegant and sophisticated,” claimed Winkleman. “Oh no it isn’t!” responded the panto pair. 

Du Beke got a big laugh early on when he tried to lift Widdecombe and comedically pretended to put his back out. The rest of the routine involved him heaving her around like a weighty wardrobe. Even her voluminous skirt couldn’t disguise her floundering feet. 

Revel Horwood awarded Widdecombe a single point on three occasions when she competed eight years ago, so generously went for a “2” this time. Darcey Bussell praised her “sweeping lines - on the floor”. Bruno Tonioli tried to kiss her, at which point she hid behind Du Beke like a shy girl in the school playground. 

Respect for the 71-year-old for coming out of retirement. A score of 22 points was her highest ever, yet still left her bottom of the Christmas tree. At least Du Beke will be glad it’s over. He looked exhausted.

Caroline Flack will feel hard done by

As the only glitterball holder among the six Christmas contestants, 2014 champion Caroline Flack must have fancied her chances. With previous partner Pasha Kovalev too busy taking Ashley Roberts to the final of the main series, she was instead paired with Gorka Marquez for a Charleston to Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

With “Flackers” playing Pinocchio and “Gorka the Corker” as Jiminy Cricket, their showstopping routine was full of high kicks, bouncy lifts, kooky character and that all-important swivel - with a spot of “chimney-ography” thrown in for good measure. It was reminder of how good she was and scored top marks. 

However, Flack was pipped by Merrygold on audience votes. She’s had a turbulent year, splitting from her fiancé and admitting she struggles with anxiety, so a Flackers win would have been just as heartwarming. 

'Snakey Jakey' has still got it

EastEnders actor Jake Wood - aka Walford lothario Max Branning - was dubbed “Snakey Jakey” during the 2014 series, when his spicy hip action saw him all the way to the semi-final.

Well, those wriggles and rolls were back again, as he and pro Luba Mushtuk performed a disco Cha Cha to Could It Be Magic by Take That. (Well, that’s what it said on the Strictly running order. It will always be Barry Manilow to me).

Always a confident performer, Wood shook his booty in a manner that could make Nanna drop her mince pie. Head judge Shirley Ballas said he “turned up the heat on a cold winter’s day”, while Revel Horwood got a kiss for pronouncing it “a-may-zing”.

Jake was just one point off perfection with 39 but it wasn’t enough to add the Strictly crown to that slightly undignified frog-sized one perched atop his head. 

Christmas spirit even got to Craig

The judging panel’s very own Scrooge, Revel Horwood, took a day off from playing the panto villain. Fancy-dressed as a genie, Craig conjured up some complimentary words and even dusted off his lesser-spotted 10 paddle not once but twice. 

Tonioli made for an arm-flailing Prince Charming, while Darcey Bussell and Ballas looked the part as a princess and fairy godmother respectively. 

If Ballas could wave her wand and cure Bussell's new verbal tic of saying “Oh my goodness”, we’d be even happier. 

Ginger Neil and Luba made cases for promotion

Neil “husband of Katya” Jones and new arrival Mushtuk are currently part of the Strictly professional troupe but weren’t partnered with a celebrity this series. They made strong bids to be upgraded here. 

Mushtuk partnered Wood for a highly entertaining routine, while Jones and 2015 semi-finalist Anita Rani’s snowman-themed foxtrot to Winter Wonderland was just lovely, with Ballas singling out Jones's choreography for praise. 

Both pros will hope that producers were taking note and they get coupled up next autumn - especially poor old Jones, who has become something of a cult figure among viewers. 

Group dances were a mixed assortment

This show opened with a high-concept group dance, telling the story of Dame Darcey and a little girl at Christmas. All very sweet but but slightly impenetrable. 

Much more in the celebratory spirit was the raucous closing number, which saw the couples, judges and presenters rocking around the Christmas tree in festive knitwear. It was like an office party, Strictly style. Hopefully nobody tried to photocopy their backside after the cameras stopped rolling. 

Elsewhere, the Kingdom Choir - who shot to fame in May after performing at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's wedding - sang a gorgeous rendition of Silent Night. 

Best of all, though, was the sweet segment where Strictly threw a Christmas party for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, putting smiles on the faces of seriously ill children and their families. A time for giving indeed. 

Strictly super-producer bowed out

There was no fuss made on-screen but this was the last episode in the tenure of Strictly’s much-admired executive producer Louise Rainbow. 

Her six years at the hoofing helm made her the show’s longest-serving executive producer, overseeing a successful period when ratings went from strength-to-strength and multiple awards were won, including a Bafta for Best Entertainment Programme

Rainbow now hands the glittery baton over to Sarah James, previously the series editor. It will be intriguing to see what, if any, changes James makes when the show returns next autumn. In the meantime, you know the Christmas message: keeeeeep dancing!