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Strictly Come Dancing series six champion Tom Chambers has exclusively told Express.co.uk that he will be making a surprise return to the BBC show for this year’s Christmas Special. However, the former Holby City actor won’t be taking to the ballroom floor this time around.
Tom, 46, who won Strictly in 2008 with partner Camilla Dallerup, 49, will instead be making a comeback as a specialist in Elf characteristics. Tom and his Elf: The Musical co-star Matthew Wolfenden are set to feature in the festive episode of the BBC show, as one of the couples will take on an Elf-inspired routine.
The Strictly winner, who plays Buddy the Elf’s father Walter Hobbs in the West End musical version of the hit Christmas movie, will star in a VT prior to the performance. He will be joined by former Emmerdale actor Matthew, who portrays his on-stage son Buddy in the production, and Georgina Castle, who stars as Buddy’s love interest, Jovie.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Tom excitedly shared: “Elf is going to appear on Strictly on Christmas Day! Whoever is performing, they are going to be doing an Elf dance.”
He teased: “And they want to come in and do one of those VTs, and so, I think Matthew is going to give them Elf advice: behaviour and character. And then Georgina Castle and myself, we’ll be judges.”
Tom went on to quip that he’s still deciding on which famous Strictly judge to channel in his role – but that he’s choosing between imitating notoriously tough judge Craig, and the late Len Goodman, who was beloved for his kind feedback to contestants.
He divulged: “I’m not sure whether I’ll be Craig Revel Horwood, or, what would be Len.”
Tom, Matthew and Georgina will be working with one of six celebrity contestants on the Strictly Christmas Special.
The 2023 line-up includes British historian and television presenter Dan Snow, BBC Breakfast host Sally Nugent, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, Waterloo Road star Tillie Amartey, former rugby player Danny Cipriani and Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan.
Tom went on to describe his Strictly stint as being like winning the showbiz lottery, as the show allowed him to follow his passion for musical theatre.
The star gushed of his role in Elf: The Musical: “I wouldn’t be here without Strictly!
“I’ve got nothing but Strictly to thank for me being in musical theatre, and theatre, and more TV jobs – it’s like winning the lottery.”
Tom is reprising his role of Walter Hobbs for the second time this festive season.
Sharing what he loves about the Christmas musical extravaganza, Tom said: “It’s like a good old fashioned film on-stage.
“It’s a really big, wonderful production. I think the music as well, having a 19-piece orchestra. And it’s just a joy to do.
“So when they said, ‘Would you be interested in coming back?’ I thought it was a no brainer. It’s such a lovely group of people.”
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day.
Tom Chambers is starring in Elf: The Musical until January 6 2024 at the Dominion Theatre. Tickets are available here.
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Source: NewsFinale
