Melanie Walters named final Strictly 2026 contestant

Welsh actress Melanie Walters, best known for her role in the sitcom Gavin & Stacey, has been announced as the final celebrity contestant for the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The 64-year-old completes the lineup for the BBC show, which is set to return in September with significant changes to its presenting team and professional dancer roster.

Walters, who played Gwen West in the long-running comedy, expressed her excitement about joining the competition. "Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly fix has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room," she said. "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."

Her casting was confirmed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, via the show's official Instagram account. Walters brings a wealth of television and stage experience to the ballroom, with credits including Coronation Street, Beyond Paradise, Being Human, and the recent BBC crime series Death Valley.

Walters joins a diverse cast of 15...