Strictly Come Dancing stars will battle it out with contestants from the American version this Christmas.

Jill Halfpenny, who won last year’s series, will be partnered with Darren Bennett for the showdown. The top three dancers from the current series will also be invited to take part. Contestants from the US will include Rachel Hunter and boxer Evander Holyfield.

"The US show was a huge hit and attracted big-name stars," a source told the Sunday Mirror. "The combination of the big US egos and the British determination to win will make this a Christmas highlight."

The public will be unable to vote on who to crown the international champion of champions – instead the couples will only be judged by the TV panel.