As the biggest day of the year draws closer, people up and down the country are searching for that perfect Christmas present. To help solve the Christmas shopping conundrum, there are some standout picks if you’re a Strictly Come Dancing fan. These gifts will show everyone in the family how much you truly care about the long-running BBC dance competition, or make that special someone happy on Christmas morning.

From gripping and cosy crime novels to heartwarming romantic fiction, there is something for everyone. Both judges, Anton du Beke and Shirley Ballas, have released their own dance-themed books, which will leave you hooked. And Craig has an autobiography that has some jaw-dropping secrets, so there are tonnes to choose from.

5. Murder on the Dance Floor 

If you love all things ballroom dancing, with some added lies and murder, then you’ll love Shirley’s 2023 debut novel. Not to be confused with the song by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, this is the perfect book to read this autumn by a cosy fireplace with a refreshing hot drink in hand.

The plot reads on Amazon: “When a promising young dancer collapses during the opening tango of a major competition, Lily Richmond, dance legend, teacher and one-time world champion, is convinced that murder is afoot.

“There’s only one person who can help Lily solve the mystery: her former student, now turned private detective, Susie Cooper. But Susie vowed she’d never return to the ballroom…”

Link to buy the book here.

4. The Winter Ball 

This is Anton Du Beke’s eighth instalment in the Buckingham Hotel series, which fans of the show can pre-order now just in time for Christmas.

The plot teases: “As the snow falls on Berkeley Square, the staff at the Buckingham Hotel are busy preparing for the arrival of American soldiers. ‘King of the Ballroom’ Raymond de Guise is rallying the performers for the forthcoming Winter Ball, with a familiar face returning to surprise the guests.”

Link to buy the book here. 

3. All Balls and Glitter: My Life

Craig turned the spotlight on himself in his 2009 autobiography. The blurb teases: “All Balls and Glitter is Craig’s remarkable life story, beginning with the tale of his escape from his small-town home in Ballarat, Australia, aged just fifteen, to embark on a career as a song-anddance man (and drag queen), and revealing the intimate secrets of his straight marriage and gay relationships, as well as the treachery and heartbreak that accompanied them.”

You can order the book here.

2. A Dance for the King

If you’re looking for a page-turning and epic wartime story, then Anton Du Beke’s novel about mystery and drama is perfect for you. The synopsis teases: “London, 1942. The war is far from over for soldier Raymond de Guise. His wife, Nancy, is overjoyed to be reunited with her husband, and to introduce him to their son. But their safety is threatened once more as Raymond returns to the ballroom at the Buckingham Hotel, ordered to discover the dark secrets held by the glittering high society.”

You can order the book here.

1. Strictly Blackpool 

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing will be well aware that any follower of the show would be incredibly familiar with getting to Blackpool Week.

The legendary Tower Ballroom has been a Mecca to the ballroom dancing world since 1894. This book offers fans a trip down memory lane, celebrating the most memorable routines from episodes gone by.

The blurb reads online: ” There is a fascinating look at the Tower Ballroom’s amazing history and secrets – from the circus in the basement to the elephants that lived in the building and bathed on the beach – as well as special photos from the Tower’s archives.

“Bringing together the exciting history of the Ballroom and the magic of the annual Blackpool special, this beautifully-packaged book is a true celebration of Blackpool’s dance heritage, and a must-buy for any Strictly fan!”

You can order the book here.