We never want a Strictly season to end but if it has to finish, let it be with a one-off extra sparkly Christmas special.

And our wishes have been granted with the BBC announcing that their festive show will return this year, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The live studio audience will have a front-row seat to all the Strictly glitter and glamour.

The festive show will see some Strictly favourites return to the ballroom to compete for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas champion trophy 2021.

The Northern Farmer: Gemma Atkinson with Gorka Marquez taking to the floor as they take part in the BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. Credit: PAGemma Atkinson with Gorka Marquez taking to the floor as they take part in the BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. Credit: PA

Earlier this year, the hit BBC programme welcomed the public back into its live audience for its 19th series after it relaxed its Covid guidelines.

When is the Strictly Christmas special 2021?

Strictly's Christmas special will be recorded in advance on Tuesday, December 7 2021.

It will be recorded at Elstree Film Studios, Hertfordshire.

The special will then be broadcast as part of the BBC's Christmas programming on Christmas day.

How to apply for the Strictly Christmas special live audience

Strictly made some changes to the live audience experience this year so that it continues to comply with current Covid-19 guidance.

The BBC asks that you read all the terms and conditions before applying to be part of its live audience on any of its shows, including its Strictly Christmas special

Currently, it has limited space in its studio so it will be offering tickets to allocated groups of four.

This means if you're one of the lucky winners, you can treat your family bubble or household group to a night in the Strictly ballroom.

Your family group will be allocated a cabaret table or balcony seating at random ahead of your arrival.

Under these rules, applications for smaller numbers of tickets will not be permitted.

The Northern Farmer: Debbie McGee and Kevin Clifton celebrate after winning this year's BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. Credit: PADebbie McGee and Kevin Clifton celebrate after winning this year's BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. Credit: PA

You should share your access requirements when you apply because the studio cannot accommodate this once seats have been assigned.

If you've applied before, you will be familiar with the process since the BBC will be using a random draw- again this year.

You should only apply if you intend to be the named ticket holder and anyone who is successful will be guaranteed admission.

When does registration for the Strictly Christmas special live audience open?

Registration is already open with the random draw closing at 10pm on Sunday November 7.

Winners should note that the tickets are non-transferrable to a person who is not named on the ticket.

You must be at least 14 years old to apply and under 18s need to be accompanied by an adult.

For full terms and conditions and information on the application process / attending the show please visit our Strictly T&Cs.

Enter the Strictly Christmas special live audience random draw via the BBC website.

You can stay up to date with all the Strictly celebrities and professional dancers on social media.

And you can get to know all of this year's contestants in our profiles.

Find out who left Strictly this week and who is still dancing in our run down.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One at 6.45pm on Saturday November 6.