In a bittersweet moment that has tugged at the nation’s heartstrings just days after her glittering Christmas Day victory, Scarlett Moffatt has admitted she’ll “probably never” grace the main Strictly Come Dancing ballroom again – despite wowing judges with a flawless 40 and lifting the festive Glitterball alongside pro partner Vito Coppola.

The 35-year-old Gogglebox icon and I’m A Celebrity queen, who cha-cha’d her way to glory with a show-stopping routine to Cher’s DJ Play A Christmas Song, opened up in an emotional Instagram post that laid bare the “unfair advantage” from her childhood ballroom days – ruling her out of the full series under BBC rules.

“I know I’ll probably never get to dance on the main Strictly series because of my past dance experience when I was a little girl,” Scarlett confessed, sharing nostalgic clips of herself twirling in competitions as a youngster. “So getting to be part of the Christmas special means everything to me.”

Fans were left devastated, flooding social media with pleas: “Nooo Scarlett deserves the main show! 😭”, one sobbed. Another raged: “Strictly rules are ridiculous – let her compete properly!”

The revelation came amid a storm of “fix” claims before the pre-recorded special aired, with trolls accusing Scarlett of having an edge over rivals like Brian McFadden, Melanie Blatt, and Gladiator Jodie Ounsley. But the mum-of-one hit back fiercely: “That was when I was a little girl – I’m 35 now!”

Insiders reveal Scarlett’s dance roots run deep. As a shy schoolgirl in County Durham, ballroom and Latin became her “safe place” amid bullying woes. She competed nationally, even crossing paths with judge Anton Du Beke at workshops – fueling whispers he once “trained” her (which she swiftly debunked).

“School wasn’t always easy for me, but dance was my safe place,” she shared. “It’s where I found my people, where I felt happiest.”

Strictly’s strict no-ringers policy – designed to keep celebs on a level playing field – has barred trained dancers before. Scarlett herself admitted years ago: “I’d love to go on Strictly but I just don’t think they’d let me on. I’m basically a ringer!”

Yet the Christmas special, with looser rules, became her “bucket-list moment”. Paired with charismatic Italian Vito Coppola – fresh from his main series stint with Ellie Goldstein – the duo sparkled from day one.

Rehearsals were pure magic. Scarlett gushed about discovering “muscles I didn’t know I had”, while Vito praised her natural flair: “She’s got that fire!”

On Christmas Day, millions watched as they earned four perfect 10s from Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton. Combined with studio votes, it sealed their win – in Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s emotional final hosting gig.

“This is honestly the greatest gift that could have ever happened at Christmas!” Scarlett beamed, trophy in hand. “We’ve all just had the best time!”

But behind the smiles, Scarlett kept the victory secret from her family – including son Jude, 18 months, with fiancé Scott Dobinson – until airtime. “I wanted them to experience the surprise with the nation,” she laughed.

The win capped a fairy-tale year for Scarlett. From Gogglebox sofa star to jungle queen in 2016, she’s battled weight struggles, body-shaming trolls, and postpartum lows – emerging stronger, with podcasts, books, and TV gigs.

Motherhood transformed her: “Jude is my world. Dance made me proud as a kid – now seeing him smile does.”

Yet the Strictly door seems closed. “Because I specifically did Ballroom and Latin as a kid, I wouldn’t do the main show – I think it would be unfair,” she told Express.co.uk.

Fans aren’t having it: “Change the rules for Scarlett! She’d smash it!” one demanded. Petitions are swirling for a “special exception”.

Bosses remain coy, but one insider dished: “Scarlett was pure joy – never say never.”

As 2025 ends, Scarlett’s triumph feels like the perfect full-circle: from childhood dancer to Christmas champ.

Was the special her dream ending… or a quiet compromise?

One thing’s certain: Scarlett Moffatt’s got the moves – and the heart – to light up any ballroom.

Strictly fans, do YOU think she should get a main series shot? Sound off below!