Strictly reveals final contestant for new series
Dominique Farrell
Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters has said she is "completely thrilled" to be joining Strictly Come Dancing.
The Welsh actress, 64, is the final name announced for the 2026 series, which will start in September.
She said:
"Performing in pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly 'fix' has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room.
"This year I am completely thrilled and happy to swap my fairy wand for sequinned dance shoes. I just hope I don't follow Cinderella and leave one on the ballroom stairs.
"I cannot wait to take part in this absolutely iconic show; it's so exciting. See you in September."
A post on the Strictly Come Dancing Instagram account announced the news and said:
"Stacey's mum has got it going on! Bringing a little Barry Island sparkle to Strictly, it's Melanie Walters!"
Melanie Walters is best known for playing Gwen West in the BBC comedy, which she appeared in from its launch in 2007.
She reprised her role for the 2024 Christmas special.
Her television work also includes roles in Coronation Street, Beyond Paradise, Being Human, Hollyoaks, Biff and Chip, and Doc Martin.
Her film credits include Submarine, Resistance, High Tide, and Save the Cinema.
On stage, she has appeared in productions such as The Importance of Being Earnest, Blood Brothers, Twelfth Night, Educating Rita, and What's New Pussycat?.
She also recently appeared in two series of the BBC's crime mystery series Death Valley.
Melanie Walters completes this year's celebrity line-up alongside Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, and John Nellis.
The upcoming series of the BBC show will be hosted by broadcaster Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe.
They will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced they were leaving the show late last year.
The BBC has also confirmed five new professional dancers are joining the show this year: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita.
RTÉ Entertainment.