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Here's miracle footballer Fabrice Muamba showing off some nifty footwork – as a star of Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas special.

The former Bolton midfielder strutted his stuff just nine months after staging an amazing recovery when his heart stopped for more than an hour during a cup tie.

Looking superfit in black trousers and tight-fitting pink shirt, Fabrice, 24, received rave reviews for his up-tempo salsa.

Judge Darcey Bussell told him: “That was amazing after what you have been through in the last year.

"I’d like to see more of your princely good looks.”

Even the normally grumpy Craig Revel Horwood said the hip department was “fantastic” and that he “sold the number well”.

Afterwards modest Fabrice, who has now retired from football, insisted it was a “one off”.

(Image: BBC)

But he added: “I’ve got new respect for the dancers. I’m still learning, so we’ll see what happens.”

Insiders say bosses of the hit BBC1 show hope to tempt him to sign up for a full series.

But fans will have to wait until Christmas Day to find out Fabrice’s score for his performance with partner Aliona Vilani, after they danced to Christmas Wrapping by the Glee cast.

He is up against actress Sheila Hancock, JLS’s Jonathan “JB” Gill, entertainer Bobby Ball, comic Katy Brand and Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton.

The winner is based on the judges’ scores and an audience vote.

A source said: “One judge even comes dressed as Rudolph the reindeer – and Sir Bruce Forsyth has some gags that could have come straight out of a Christmas cracker.”

The show also features an “all-stars” line-up of Strictly favouristes, including Rachel Stevens, Chelsee Healey, Natasha Kap­­linsky, Kelly Brook, Chris Hollins, Tom Chambers and Colin Jackson – with special guest appearances from Ann Widdecombe and Russell Grant.