STRICTLY CHRISTMAS: MELANIE BLATT ADMITS SHE FELT ‘DEEPLY UNCOMFORTABLE’ DURING FESTIVE SPECIAL

Melanie Blatt has spoken candidly about her experience taking part in the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, admitting that she felt “deeply uncomfortable” throughout the process, despite ultimately describing it as an “amazing experience”.

The All Saints singer opened up during a conversation with Christine Lampard, giving viewers an honest insight into what it was really like stepping onto the famous ballroom floor for the festive one-off. While the Christmas special is often seen as a light-hearted celebration of dance and celebrity fun, Melanie revealed that the challenge pushed her far beyond her comfort zone.

“I mean, it was like nothing I have ever done before,” Melanie said.
“Out of the comfort zone was the smallest thing you could call it.

“I was deeply uncomfortable throughout it, but it was an amazing experience. You know, I am up for challenges. That is my number one thing that I say to myself every morning, ‘You need to challenge yourself’. I really did that.”

Melanie, who rose to fame in the 1990s as a member of chart-topping girl group All Saints, admitted that although she is no stranger to performing on stage, ballroom dancing presented a completely different type of pressure. Unlike singing, where she has decades of experience, dancing live on television in front of millions was a brand-new test.

The singer, 50, appeared on the latest episode of the ITV show to chat to step-in host Christine Lampard, 46, to chat about taking part in the festive episode – Credit:ITV

For the Christmas special, Melanie has been paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington, and she was full of praise for her partner and the wider Strictly team.

“He was amazing,” she said. “Everybody on that show, the pro dancers, I was just in awe of all of them.”

The pair will be performing an American Smooth to Santa Baby by The Pussycat Dolls, promising viewers a glamorous and festive routine packed with seasonal sparkle. Despite her nerves, Melanie’s determination to rise to the challenge is likely to resonate with viewers who appreciate contestants pushing themselves outside familiar territory.

This year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special features a strong and varied celebrity line-up, all competing for the coveted Christmas Glitterball Trophy. Fans will have to wait until Christmas Day to see who comes out on top, but the competition looks set to be fierce.

Joining Melanie on the dance floor is Gogglebox favourite Scarlett Moffatt, who has been paired with reigning Strictly champion Vito Coppola. The duo will be dancing the Cha Cha Cha to Cher’s festive track DJ Play A Christmas Song, a performance that is already generating plenty of excitement.

Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley teams up with Neil Jones for a high-energy Street/Commercial routine set to Red Christmas by Kylie Cantrall, while EastEnders legend Nicholas Bailey partners Luba Mushtuk for a classic Viennese Waltz to Andy Williams’ timeless festive favourite It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Former Westlife singer Brian McFadden will be dancing the Jive with Michelle Tsiakkas to Kelly Clarkson’s Run Rudolph Run, bringing pop-star energy to the ballroom. Meanwhile, comedian Babatunde Aléshé and professional dancer Nancy Xu will perform the Charleston to Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters’ Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, a routine that promises fun, flair and festive cheer.

The Strictly Christmas Special has become a firm favourite in the BBC’s festive schedule, offering a mix of nostalgia, humour and heartwarming performances. Melanie Blatt’s honest reflections add an extra layer of intrigue, reminding viewers that even seasoned performers can feel vulnerable when trying something completely new.

As Christmas Day approaches, audiences can look forward to sequins, surprises and plenty of seasonal magic, with Melanie’s brave step into unfamiliar territory shaping up to be one of the most talked-about moments of the show.