Former contestants return for Strictly Christmas Special

And an extra bonus, Brucie’s back!

Former Emmerdale star Lisa Reilly has revealed that her dancing days will never end.

Lisa, who reached the semi-finals of the Strictly’s 2012 series, is back in the Christmas Day special.

And the former Emmerdale star has told The Sunday Post that dance has become a massive influence that’s changed her public profile.

“I used to get called Mandy Dingle everywhere but now that never happens,” says Lisa. “Everyone talks to me about Strictly and about dancing. I’ve even had women telling me that their husband has started dancing and that I’ve helped their relationship.

“Inspiring people to dance has been the best side of it for me and it’s really taken over.”

While many Strictly stars plan to keep it up but find that ballroom and Latin routines become a thing of the past, Lisa’s been at it non-stop in the past two years.

She toured the country in judge Craig Revel Horwood’s Strictly Confidential musical, has dance routines choreographed for her panto outings and has even featured on Strictly-themed cruises.

Lisa was partnered with Robin Windsor for her original run on the show and the pair are together again for the festive special.

“He’s my best friend really, we’re inseparable,” confides the 38-year-old actress and presenter. “I feel so blessed about what’s happened and it makes perfect sense that we’re back together. We’ve become so close that sometimes we forget to train because we’re nattering so much.”

The pair will be doing a jive to Elton John’s Step Into Christmas in the show which sees former favourites return.

Rachel Stevens, Russell Grant and Sophie Ellis Bextor are joined by past winners Louis Smith and Chris Hollins. The special also sees the return of Bruce Forsyth who stepped down from the main show.

And Lisa admits she’s in awe of the 86-year-old showbiz veteran.

“I was watching the rehearsals and he was incredible, singing and dancing. My granddad is three years younger than Bruce and he struggles to walk, never mind singing and tap dancing.

“I remember watching him when I was a kid in Bedknobs and Broomsticks and here I am, getting to share a stage with him. I’m just humbled and I think it’s amazing to have him back.”

While there were concerns as to the impact of Bruce’s departure, the series which finished last night was still a monster hit.

Lisa’s delight about its ratings success over ITV’s The X Factor show where her passions lie, and she reckons its all-round family appeal remains the key.

“My nephew, who’s three-and-a-half, is the love of my life and when Strictly comes on the world stops,” she adds. “I’m not exaggerating. Then you’ve got aunties watching, sports stars for the men, it just appeals to everyone.

“It doesn’t block anyone out.”