'I can't wait to join this iconic show'

Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters has been named as the final contestant in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The Swansea-born actress plays mild-mannered, omelette-obsessed Gwen West in the acclaimed comedy, while her other credits have included  Death Valley,  Coronation Street and Richard Ayoade’s film  Submarine.

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!’

The rest of the Strictly line-up is Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, and John Nellis.

The list had been criticised by viewers for containing too many social media stars and not enough household names.

Josh Widdecombe takes over as one of the presenters this series, alongside  Emma Willis and professional dancer Johannes Radebe.

Published: 12 Aug 2026