ALL Saints star Melanie Blatt returns to the prime time limelight for Strictly’s Christmas Special ready to show she’s still got the moves.

Singer Melanie — once one of Britain’s best-known pop stars — partners Kai Widdrington as one of six couples battling to be the festive champs.

 

Melanie Blatt and Kai Widdrington posing for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025.

Melanie Blatt and her pro partner Kai WiddringtonCredit: PA

All Saints band members Nicole Appleton, Shaznay Lewis, Natalie Appleton, and Melanie Blatt posing together.

Mel in her All Saints heyday (L-R) Nicole Appleton, Shaznay Lewis, Natalie Appleton, and MelCredit: Getty

Vito Coppola and Scarlett Moffatt for the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.

Gogglebox’s Scarlett Moffatt is partnered with Vito CoppolaCredit: PA
Mel, 50 and now a London pub chef, is tipped to do well given her time with Nicole and Natalie Appleton and Shaznay Lewis in the 1990s group and her past dance training.

The girls, who had five UK No1 singles including Never Ever, were known for their relaxed approach on stage.

A Strictly insider said: “There’s been excitement surrounding Mel’s appearance as she’s been a bona fide pop star with a huge group.

“It will be interesting to see if she still has the performance skills they were so well known for.”

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Also returning to the spotlight will be Gogglebox’s Scarlett Moffatt, 35, who is partnered by Vito Coppola.

She took time out after having son Jude two years ago.

The other couples include comic Babatunde Aleshe, 35, with his partner Nancy Xu, and EastEnders star Nicholas Bailey, 54, with Luba Mushtuk.

Singer Brian McFadden, 45, and Michelle Tsiakkas and 24- year-old Jodie Ounsley — Fury from Gladiators — with Neil Jones, complete the line-up.

It will be poignant for Jodie who recorded the special just days after her ex-cop dad Phil, 56, died while out walking

She said: “I do feel like he’s kind of not left me, really.

“I’m just going to imagine that he’s there watching and do my best.”

The special will air on Christmas Day on BBC One at 5.30pm.

Nancy Xu and Babatunde Aléshé in holiday attire posing for Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025.

Babatunde Aleshe and pro partner Nancy XuCredit: PA

Luba Mushtuk and Nicholas Bailey for BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.

Eastenders star Nicholas Bailey and Luba MushtukCredit: PA

Jodie Ounsley and Neil Jones for BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.

Gladiator Jodie Ounsley and Neil JonesCredit: PA

Brian McFadden and Michelle Tsiakkas for the BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.

Westlife star Brian McFadden and Michelle TsiakkasCredit: PA