Strictly Come Dancing stars perform at Buckingham Palace

The stars of Strictly Come Dancing visited Buckingham Palace today to film a special feature hosted by the Duchess of Cornwall.

The segment of the BBC dance contest, filmed inside the royal residence, will be aired as part of this year’s Strictly Christmas Special.

Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Brendon Cole were among the show’s permanent fixtures who performed for the Duchess at her Tea Dance, while former contestants Kimberley Walsh and Judy Murray also returned for the honour.

Pulling out the stops: Karen Clifton [L] and Shirley Ballas [R] glammed up in chic crochet frocks for the show’s Christmas special

The event, which is the first of its kind to be held at Buckingham Palace, was organised by the Duchess, who is president of the National Osteoporosis Society, as a way to highlight the benefits of dancing and exercise in the process of ageing.

Last week, producers for the show announced the plan for the special. 

They said in a statement: ‘As part of this year’s Strictly Christmas Special, there will be a festive feature from inside Buckingham Palace.

Dressed the part! Despite his tough-talking reputation, Craig Revel Horwood proved he’s no Scrooge as he donned a festive red shirt for the proceedings

Chic: Judy – the mother of tennis ace Andy Murray – opted for a demure black dress for the occasion

‘Hosted by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, our Strictly family and members of the local community will attend a Tea Dance.

‘There will also be a beautiful performance from the Strictly professional dancers.’ 

A ‘tea dance’ is an afternoon event dating back to the 19th century and usually includes a live orchestra and waltzing. 

On arrival, Her Royal Highness was greeted by Horwood, who is an ambassador for the charity, before she met her guests, who included other National Osteoporosis Society members, and watched the performance from the Strictly team.

And it appears that the performance went off without a hitch as the stars beamed at photographers as the left the palace.

Former Girls Aloud star Kimberley, Strictly’s new judge Shirley and professional dancer Karen Clifton wore pretty dresses for the event, while Judy – the mother of tennis ace Andy Murray – opted for a demure black dress for the occasion. 

For the Christmas special, the 58-year-old, who was on series 12, will be partnered with professional dancer Neil Jones.

Presenter Katie Derham has signed up to rock around the Christmas tree and said she ‘cannot wait to dust off the sequins and get back in the training room’.

Together again! Katie Derham [R] will once again be paired with professional dancer Brendon Cole [L], while Jeremy Vine [C] will also return to the dance floor 

Excited: Katie previously said she ‘cannot wait to dust off the sequins and get back in the training room’

Derham, who will be taking a twirl with pro Brendan Cole, said: ‘Being parachuted onto planet Strictly two years ago was the most joyful, challenging but hilarious and brilliant thing I’ve ever done!’

Athlete Colin Jackson will be hoping to sprinkle some more joy on the dancefloor when he shows off his moves with Amy Dowden.

A runner up in the third series in 2005, Jackson said: ‘I am thrilled to be returning to Strictly for this year’s Christmas special.

‘Some time has passed since I danced my way to the final however I’m looking forward to dusting off my dancing shoes and returning once again.’ 

Say cheese! Oti Mabuse and Anton du Beke stopped to smile for fan photos as they departed the royal residence

Dapper: Colin Jackson was sharp-suited for the occasion. The former athlete was the third runner up when he appeared on the show in 2005

Pretty in pink: Strictly professional Chloe Hewitt sported a sophisticated pastel pink gown for the show

Robbie Savage will be partnered with Dianne Buswell and confessed his dancing has not improved since he was last on Strictly.

Jeremy Vine will be back with his professional dance partner Karen Clifton and will be hoping to finish a little higher than the ninth place he managed in series 13. 

He said: ‘Me? Dance again? Yes, yes, YES!!! Now where are those shoes? Let me clean the dust off.’ 

The six couples will each perform a routine which tells the story of what everyone loves about Christmas in a bid to be crowned the festive champions 2017. 

Bye for now! [L-R] Dancers Neil Jones, Janette Manrara and Dianne Buswell made a uniform exit from the iconic building

Special message: The six couples will each perform a routine which tells the story of what everyone loves about Christmas in a bid to be crowned the festive champions 2017