Crowns the winner of the 2022 Christmas special

Alexandra Mardell admitted she was “shocked” when she was crowned winner of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.

The actress – best known for her role as Emma Brooker in Coronation Street – claimed victory alongside her professional partner Kai Widdrington.

Mardell faced stiff competition from Larry Lamb, Rosie Ramsey, George Webster, Ricky Haywood-Williams and Girl's Aloud star Nicola Roberts in the festive episode of the BBC ballroom show.

Read more: All Strictly Come Dancing winners and finalists

But she and Widdrington wowed the judges and studio audience with their brilliant “Quickstep to Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes.

“I'm so shocked, I can't thank you enough,” the actor said after the couple picked up the coveted Strictly Silver Star trophy.

“I'm so happy about it, I did this for you [Kai] I also can not belive it.”

The Christmas special was hosted by the show's usual presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, with judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas keeping an eye on all the festive footwork.

The episode also saw the return of former Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli for a special musical performance.

Tonioli was one of the original judges, but missed the 2021 series because COVID restrictions made it difficult for him to travel back and forth to the US to do Dancing With The Stars.

This year he resigned and Du Beke took his place on the board.

But he was back on stage to sing his version of The Communards' “Don't Leave Me This Way,” accompanied by professional dancers Dianne Buswell, Cameron Lombard, Nikita Kuzmin, Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer and Lauren Oakley.

Read more: Hamza Yassin says he feels “happier and healthier” after losing weight on Strictly.

The episode also featured a group routine to a festive medley of “Let It Snow,” “The Nutcracker Suite” and “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.”

Watch: Watch Craig Revel Horwood in I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Ear.