Stacey Dooley, the twinkle-toed queen of the ballroom, has traded her dancing shoes for... well, let's just say a Christmas tree that's sparking more debate than a Brexit vote. The Strictly star, never one to shy away from the spotlight, unveiled her festive fir, and the internet practically exploded.
Forget your classic pine dripping with sentimental ornaments. Dooley's tree is a metallic marvel, a shimmering, somewhat spiky ode to disco balls and tinsel excess. Think Studio 54 meets Santa's workshop after a glitter bomb went off. Silver baubles the size of bowling balls nestled amongst a blizzard of gold and silver tinsel. Is this Christmas, or a 1970s revival party?
The centerpiece? A giant bauble perched atop the tree, bearing an uncanny resemblance to the coveted Glitterball Trophy. A clear nod to her 2018 Strictly Come Dancing victory, where she waltzed her way into the nation's hearts (and Kevin Clifton's arms).
Dooley, 38, took to Instagram to defend her bold yuletide vision. "It’s giving... Elstree," she wrote, referencing the iconic studios where Strictly is filmed. "Guys, did I ever mention I did strictly 100 years ago? The theme was 'camp disco'. Isn’t it so Angel Delight energy! Made up!"
But not everyone was feeling the Angel Delight. The internet, as always, had Opinions. Strong opinions.
"Where’s the tree?!" one bewildered fan questioned. Ouch. Another, perhaps channeling their inner fire marshal, warned, "Fire hazard…" Double ouch. "Is there a tree under that?" someone else inquired, clearly struggling to locate any actual greenery beneath the metallic mayhem.
And then came the hammer blows. "Sorry but the tree is hideous," one brave soul declared. "Horrendous," another chimed in. "Terrible," a third simply stated, leaving no room for interpretation. It's safe to say some viewers were not impressed.
However, some fans are all in for the daring decor. One enthusiastic admirer gushed, "It’s giving Diana Ross meets Wham on steroids and I’m here for it babe." Another declared, "OMG this is brilliant especially in your aesthetically calming house." It seems Dooley's divisive decor has found its tribe.
The Christmas tree controversy comes as Dooley is poised to add another string to her already impressive bow. Move over Meryl Streep, Stacey is set to make her acting debut.
Word on the street is, she'll be starring alongside Gavin and Stacey funnyman Adrian Scarborough and EastEnders icon Kara Tointon in a new coming-of-age drama, Truth Banana.
The series, the brainchild of James Delow and executive produced by former Big Brother host Will Best, promises a feel-good escape from the doom and gloom of reality. A source spilled that Dooley was "naturally nervous" about her acting debut, but the cast and crew were "really impressed."
Speaking of new beginnings, Dooley has been candid about the challenges she's faced on her journey to motherhood. Following a heartbreaking ectopic pregnancy, she revealed she was "forced to think of alternatives" when it came to expanding her family.
Dooley is happily loved up with her former Strictly partner, Kevin Clifton. The pair, who cha-cha-ed their way into each other's hearts in 2018, started dating the following year.
They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Minnie, in January 2023. Parenthood seems to be suiting them well, even if their Christmas tree tastes are a little... unconventional.
So, whether you love it or loathe it, Stacey Dooley's Christmas tree has undoubtedly sparked a conversation. And isn't that what the festive season is all about? (Besides presents, obviously.)
One thing's for sure, Stacey Dooley never fails to surprise. And we can't wait to see what she does next – on and off the dance floor.
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