Strictly Come Dancing fans were left missing the regular show’s run during this year’s special on Christmas Day.
The hit BBC One show returned for a festive edition of the ballroom dance competition with the judges and a studio audience to vote as the stars competed to lift the glistening Strictly Silver Star trophy.
This year on the pre-recorded Christmas special, six brand new celebrities took to the Strictly floor to celebrate Christmas.
The star-studded line-up included Alexandra Mardell and Kai Widdrington, soap actor Larry Lamb and Nadiya Bychkova, podcaster Rosie Ramsey partnered with Neil Jones, actor George Webster dancing with Amy Dowden, DJ Ricky Haywood-Williams paired with Luba Mushtuk as well as singer Nicola Roberts alongside Giovanni Pernice.
However, as the special got underway viewers at home were left bemoaning the short stint for the Christmas celebrities, as one said they ‘could not see the point’ given the public also did not have a vote.
Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: “Can't see the point. One weeks training and they all get great over marked scores.”
A second chimed: “I love Strictly, but I'm not that keen on the Christmas specials - there's no 'journey' & we have no say in the outcome. So only really here for the #DoctorWho goodness at the end.”
Others were left missing the regular show already, as another tweeted: “When you realise this is the last strictly until September,” alongside a string of crying emojis.
Another added: “It feels like Strictly has been away for much longer. I HAVE MISSED IT SO MUCH.”
The Christmas special came after another dazzling Strictly Come Dancing run this autumn, which saw a fresh batch of celebrities battle it out to lift the Glitterball trophy.
Ultimately, wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin claimed the coveted gong alongside dance partner Jowita Przystal, beating out Molly Rainford, Fleur East and Helen Skelton.
Hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the Christmas special was presided over by the eagle-eyed judging panel of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and head judge Shirley Ballas.
The special started with a group routine to a festive medley of Let It Snow, The Nutcracker Suite and Santa Claus is Coming to Town, featuring the celebrities and their professional partners.
The special then saw each couple then take to the ballroom dance floor to perform their individual festive routines.
Once all couples had danced, the studio audience voted for their favourite and their votes were combined with the judges' scores to decide the winner.
The final sprinkling of glitter was a special musical performance from none other than former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli.
