Comedian Babatunde Aléshé has been announced as the fifth star taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.

The star is best known for his stand-up comedy, and 2022 appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here.

He will be paired up with Strictly pro Nancy Xu for the one-off competition.

Babatunde Aléshé said of his upcoming appearance: “I used to do a little dancing when I was in college. I used to do Street Locking and Break Dancing, but then I found comedy and pursued that instead.

“At 39 I’ve accepted that a good two-step is all I need to get by at any function, but I know that won’t be enough for Strictly! Let’s hope the old moves come back to me in time for Christmas.”

On top of his appearance on I’m A Celeb, Babatunde is an actor and podcaster, who has just completed his latest UK comedy tour across the UK.

He also appeared on the 18th series of Taskmaster, and made regular appearances on Celebrity Gogglebox alongside Mo Gilligan.

In 2024, Babatunde hosted the annual MOBO Awards and was Head Judge at the 2024 BBC New Comedy Awards.

As an actor his work includes roles in Christmas Karma, Sumotherhood, and Doctor Who. He recently launched the new podcast, Man Like You, with Mo Gilligan and Eddie Kadi.

Babatunde joins Scarlett Moffatt, Melanie Blatt, Jodie Ounsley (aka Fury from Gladiators) and Nicholas Bailey in Strictly’s festive line-up.

The sixth and final contestant is yet to be announced.

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Christmas.