The Gogglebox star opens up on surprise victory, emotional timing, and why silence mattered more than celebration
Introduction
Winning Strictly Come Dancing is a moment most celebrities dream of sharing instantly with loved ones. But for Scarlett Moffatt, her 2025 Strictly Christmas Special triumph came with a deliberate decision to stay silent.
In an exclusive interview, the reality TV favourite has revealed why she chose not to tell her family about her win ahead of the show’s broadcast, keeping the biggest festive surprise under wraps until the very last moment.
A Night of Celebration and Farewell
The Christmas Special carried added emotional weight this year, marking the final appearance of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who bowed out after years at the heart of the BBC show.
Amid the farewells, Scarlett emerged victorious, lifting the Christmas glitterball trophy for the first time and describing the win as “the greatest gift” she could have received during the festive season.
“This is amazing,” Scarlett said. “I honestly feel like I should have prepared a speech. This is the greatest Christmas gift I could have imagined.”
Paired With Her Dream Partner
Scarlett competed alongside professional dancer Vito Coppola, a partnership she had secretly hoped for long before the show began.
“I really wanted Vito,” she admitted. “I kept saying he would be my favourite. I’m so grateful we got the chance to be a small part of such a huge institution.”
Their Cha Cha Cha to DJ Play A Christmas Song by Cher earned a perfect score of 40 from the judges, sealing their win and sending fans into celebration mode.
Why She Chose Not to Tell Her Family
Despite the excitement, Scarlett managed to keep her victory a secret from her family until the show aired. Speaking ahead of transmission, she explained that the decision was intentional.
“I’m going to make them wait,” she said. “I already feel like a winner anyway. The fact that I get to dance with Vito and perform is enough. I didn’t want to give anything away.”
For Scarlett, protecting the magic of the moment mattered more than early congratulations. Her family found out at the same time as the viewers, adding to the emotional impact of the broadcast.
A Lifelong Love of Dance Reignited
Although many viewers know Scarlett from Gogglebox and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, dance has always been part of her life.
She trained in ballroom and Latin as a child, even studying under Strictly judge Anton Du Beke, and was crowned British Ballroom Champion at just 16.
“Strictly reignited the fire inside of me,” she said. “It reminded me how much I love dance. I’ll definitely keep doing it after this because it brings me so much joy.”
Confidence, Body Image, and Growing Stronger
Scarlett has previously spoken openly about her complicated relationship with fame and body image, especially following her dramatic weight loss in earlier years. While she says she feels confident again, Strictly rehearsals still brought moments of self-doubt.
“Sometimes I catch myself in the mirror and think, that’s not what I imagined,” she admitted. “But I’m having the best time, and that’s what matters.”
What’s Next for Scarlett Moffatt
Now balancing panto performances, Strictly commitments, motherhood, and festive family time, Scarlett says she is focused on enjoying the present rather than chasing the spotlight.
However, rumours of a possible return to reality television continue to swirl, including speculation about an I’m A Celebrity All Stars edition. Scarlett has not ruled anything out.
“If I ever went back, I’d soak up every second,” she said. “I was younger then. I know myself more now.”
A Festive Win to Remember
Scarlett’s Strictly Christmas Special victory was more than a trophy moment. It symbolised rediscovered passion, personal growth, and a celebration shared on her own terms.
By keeping the secret until the very end, she ensured the magic remained intact, proving that sometimes the most meaningful victories are the ones you hold close before letting the world in.
