Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special winner 2023: Jamie Borthwick and Nancy Xu lift the trophy

Jamie Borthwick and Nancy Xu were crowned winners of the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 Christmas special.

The EastEnders actor, 28, collected the Silver Star trophy with his professional dance partner, 32, after wowing the judges with their festive routine.

The show, which aired on Christmas Day, saw Danny Cipriani, Keisha Buchanan, Tillie Amartey, Sally Nugent, Dan Snow and Jamie take to the dance floor.

Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas scored Jamie highly, with the studio audience also voting for the soap star to become champion.

Anton said of Jamie's performance: 'You were a surprise and a delight. Magnificently!' while Craig added: “Jamie, you sledded me, honey, you were Fab-U-Lous!”

After winning, Jamie, who plays Jay Brown on EastEnders, said: 'This is great, it's been a great experience but we're all winners here. This show is magical.”

As an ode to his soap career, the Strictly dance floor was transformed into the iconic Queen Victoria pub for his dance.

Former rugby player Danny, 36, teamed up with Jowita Przystal, 29, following his recent split from wife Victoria and danced the Cha Cha Cha.

Danny is said to have left his ex 'gutted' after sharing behind-the-scenes snaps of himself and the dancer during rehearsals for the show.

He said of his bond with Jowita: “It's a blessing to step into Jowita's world, and for her to teach me some special moves, but also the humility and the grace with which she works, it's the essence of who she is, while Because she is an absolute genius at what she does, it is so nice to be there.

“She's world-class, but so humble.”

Jowita is believed to be single after splitting from Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Dan Snow suffered an awkward wardrobe malfunction as he took to the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor during the special.

The television presenter, 45, was left slightly red in the face when he accidentally split his trousers while performing a jive with professional partner Nadiya Bychkova.

Dan got into the festive spirit when he turned into a gingerbread man and performed in All I Want For Christmas Is You.

Judge Craig Revel Horwood thought he had gotten away with the outfit tear and was quick to point out the accident.

He gave some criticism and said: 'Your legs were a bit stiff and there were a lot of timing problems. At least you managed to split your pants, which was pretty good.”

Tess looked shocked and replied, “Oh god! No one else noticed Craig.”

He replied, “I noticed, but you held up really well and you did a great job. The performance was great.'

Dan received a total score of 30 from the judges, putting him at the bottom of the leaderboard.

Newsreader Sally, 52, performed the Foxtrot with Graziano Di Prima for Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, the Ella Fitzgerald version.

Speaking before the dance, she said: 'I loved the idea of ​​celebrating Christmas because it felt like everyone would be happy, there's no pressure, it doesn't feel like it's a competition for me.

“I feel like it's a chance to laugh and spread a little joy on my favorite day. It's one of my favorite shows to watch on Christmas Day anyway, so it's incredible to be there.”

Waterloo Road actress Tillie, 20, teamed up with Neil Jones and danced the Jive.

Dan and Nadiya danced a jive to Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas and scored 30, Keisha and Gorka got 33 for their Vienesse Walts to Snowman by Sia and Danny and Jowita did a Cha Cha to Celebration by Kool & the Gang which the judges gave she 37 out of 40.

Last year Corrie's Alexandra Mardell won the festive show with pro Kai Widdrington after achieving a perfect score with their fun Quickstep.

For the 2023 series, Elie Leach won Strictly with Vito Coppola and took the coveted glitter ball.

After Ellie was announced as the winner, she said: 'I really can't believe this.'

Ellie – who is best known for her role as Faye Windass in Coronation Street – received 40 points for her final dance of the evening.

Craig Revel Horwood praised the actress, noting that she has made tremendous progress since the series began.

He said: 'It's just been amazing to watch you grow and develop as a dancer.'

Ellie and Vito danced a routine to the sound of 'Ain't That A Kick In The Head' by Robbie Williams, and received full marks from the judges.

The duo also performed a Pasodoble routine, as well as a show dance to a mega mix by Jennifer Lopez.

Ellie overcame competition from Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams to claim the coveted 'Strictly' crown.