The former Bolton School pupil has recorded a special vocal cameo for the BBC show’s Halloween Week results programme, which airs on Sunday evening.
Sir Ian, best known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings, X-Men and countless Shakespeare productions, will lend his distinctive voice to a spooky Strictly professionals’ group dance inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
The routine, performed to Tame Impala’s Dracula, begins at a drive-in movie theatre where professional dancers Alexis Warr and Nikita Kuzmin appear to be enjoying a first date before a sinister twist reveals Kuzmin is a vampire.
The dance then descends into a gothic, tango-inspired spectacle featuring the show’s professional dancers, with Sir Ian’s reading from Dracula providing the dramatic climax.
The appearance marks the latest high-profile project for the internationally acclaimed actor, who attended Bolton School before going on to study at Cambridge University and build a career spanning stage and screen.
Sir Ian has regularly spoken of his affection for the town and returned to Bolton on numerous occasions over the years, including visits to his former school and local theatres.
Sunday’s results show will also feature a performance from singer Becky Hill and a Strictly first, with three couples competing in the dance-off before one pair is eliminated by the judges.
Before then, the remaining celebrity contestants will take to the ballroom floor for Halloween Week on Saturday night, with a series of spooky-themed routines planned.
Fans hoping to hear Sir Ian’s cameo will need to tune into the results show on BBC One and iPlayer from 7.10pm on Sunday.