BBC Breakfast's Sally Nugent admits she was 'in need of a pick me up' ahead of her Strictly Christmas stint as she shares snaps with Graziano Di Prima to mark the start of rehearsals

Strictly's Christmas special must have come at the right time for Sally Nugent as the BBC Breakfast star admitted she was 'in need of a pick me up' before ITV called. Winter blues: Strictly's Christmas special must have come at the right time for Sally Nugent, 52, as the BBC Breakfast star admitted she was 'in need of a pick me up' before ITV called Exciting: The presenter is one of the first three stars confirmed for the Strictly Come Dancing special and has already kicked off rehearsing with her partner Graziano 'I am definitely not a dancer - but I will try my best. They kindly suggested I might like to learn to dance with @grazianodiprima in time for Christmas' Exciting: The first three contestants have been confirmed for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special Big reveal: The presenter has seen her career go from strength to strength in recent years, going from a sports journalist to becoming a permanent presenter of BBC Breakfast to replace Louise Minchin in late 2021 Star: After covering major sporting events – including football World Cups - for the BBC, Birkenhead-born Nugent became a regular presenter for BBC Breakfast 'I'm hoping the judges will be kind - and filled with Christmas spirit. Big role: Historian Dan Snow is paired with Nadiya Bychkova and said: 'I am absolutely terrified about hitting the dance floor Dancing shoes on: Jamie Borthwick will be paired with Nancy Xu Brave: Dan is pictured onboard the research vessel on an expedition to find Sir Ernest Shackleton's boat Familiar face: Jamie is best known for playing Jay Brown in EastEnders for over 17 years Last year: Alexandra and Kai raised their trophy in the air as their fellow celeb contestants cheered them on in the sidelines Group performance: The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas line-up last year included professional dancers Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Amy Dowden, Luba Mushtuk and Giovanni Pernice - who opened the show with a festive routine Jamie said: 'I am so excited to be joining the cast of this years' Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.