Royal Marine Cassidy Little to star in Christmas Strictly special

Cassidy, from Market Deeping, danced his way into the hearts of the nation in March after he beat five other people with extraordinary stories in the first ever People’s Strictly in aid of Comic Relief.

Now the Canadian will be reunited with dance partner Natalie Lowe for the Christmas special, which will be aired on BBC One on Christmas Day.

But he will face stiff competition from former winners Abbey Clancy, a model and TV presenter, McFly star Harry Judd and television actor Tom Chambers. Lisa Snowdon, who came third in her year and television presenter Alison Hammond, who was one an audience favourite, complete the line-up.

Cassidy thought his dancing days were over when his leg was blown off in Afghanistan but he proved himself wrong when he lifted the trophy, thanks to the support of voters across the area.

All six couples will perfom an enchanting and magical routine themed around a host of family favourites, including Alice in Wonderland, Jack Frost and Scrooge, in a bid to be crowned Christmas champions 2015 and lift the famous Silver Star trophy.

The show will be hosted by Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daley, with the judges - Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman, Bruno Toniolo and Craig Revel-Horwood.