Su Pollard to star in Strictly Christmas show

Actress Su Pollard will make her Strictly Come Dancing debut in the show's Christmas special.

The 62-year-old will dance with Anton Du Beke, who partnered Nancy Dell'Olio in this year's series.

Pollard is best known for her role in 1980s sitcom Hi-De-Hi!, where she played a chamber maid with aspirations to become a holiday camp entertainer.

Other stars dancing on Christmas Day's show include ex-boxer Barry McGuigan and EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks.

Simon Webbe, from boyband Blue, and comic Debra Stephenson will also appear on the ballroom programme.

McGuigan, who was the world featherweight champion between 1985 and 1986, said taking part in the show would be "a challenge".

"I've always considered myself to have two left feet and I want to surprise myself," said the 50-year-old, who retired in 1987.

Pollard, who recently appeared in a West End production of Shout!, vowed to "wow the judges and the viewers with my utter exuberance and prowess".

Webbe, meanwhile, said he was looking forward to the choreography

"The dancing part of my brain is dormant and I want to wake it up," he said. "I also want to wear something tight and sparkly!"

The five celebrities will compete to win a special trophy on the festive edition of the show.

Professional dancers from the main series will lead them through their routines.

They include Erin Boag, Katya Virshilas and Vincent Simone - all of whom have been eliminated from the current competition - alongside choreographer Ian Waite.