EastEnders stars to take part in Strictly Come Dancing's Children In Need special

Ricky Champ, Louisa Lytton and Maisie Smith are among those to have signed up 
Ricky Champ, Maisie Smith and Rudolph Walker will be getting their dancing shoes on
BBC Pictures
Isobel Frodsham28 October 2019

Four EastEnders stars will waltz on to the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor for Children in Need special next month.

Ricky Champ, Louisa Lytton, Maisie Smith and Rudolph Walker will go head to head in a battle for the Pudsey Glitterball trophy.

Champ will be dancing with Luba Mushtuk and Lytton’s partner will be Gorka Marquez.

Smith will sashay with Kevin Clifton and Walker will be partnered with the show’s newest pro, Nancy Xu.

Dancing: Ricky Champ plays Stuart Highway on EastEnders
BBC / Kieron McCarron

The stars will compete in a group number - choreographed by former Strictly professional Trent Whiddon - in a bid to be crowned champions.

Speaking about the show, Champ said: “I am so excited to be taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing EastEnders special. I’m looking forward to showing the world my moves. Bring it on.”

Twinkle toes: Louisa Lytton will also star on the show. She plays Ruby Allen in EastEnders
BBC / Jack Barnes

Lytton – who starred in the fourth series of Strictly in 2006 and finished in fourth place - said: “It feels like a lifetime ago since I did Strictly Come Dancing so I am beyond excited to put my dancing shoes back on and return to the famous floor.

"It’s for a fantastic cause which makes it all the more special.”

Rising star: Maisie Smith shot to fame on the show after playing Tiffany Butcher
BBC / Jack Barnes

Smith said: “I’m flattered to be part of such an iconic show. Strictly has been a family favourite in my house for years.

"I can’t wait to put my dancing skills to the test.”

Glitterball: Rudolph Walker plays Patrick Trueman in EastEnders
BBC

Walker said he was “thrilled” to be taking part, adding: “I can’t wait to get started. Although at 80 years old, it’s probably best I don’t try to do the splits.”

The show will be hosted by Strictly presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

It will be aired as part of the BBC Children in Need 2019 Appeal Night on BBC1 on Friday, November 15.

Last year's telethon saw Boyzone take part in the Strictly special while previous years have seen politician Ann Widdecombe and astrologer Russell Grant return to the balllroom.

Strictly Come Dancing 2019

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