Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters is the latest celebrity reportedly signing up for the 2026 season of Strictly Come Dancing. The 64-year-old actress, known for playing Gwen West in the beloved sitcom, is said to be joining the ballroom floor for the show's 24th season.
Melanie Walters' Career and Strictly Debut
Walters is best known for her role in Gavin & Stacey, which concluded with a Christmas special in 2024 that drew millions of viewers. She has also appeared in Hollyoaks as Bonnie Bevan and guest-starred in shows like Doc Martin, Casualty, and Beyond Paradise. A source told The Sun on Sunday: "Melanie is loved across the country for her role as Gwen. The Gavin & Stacey Christmas special in 2024 saw millions of fans turning in for the final episode. BBC bosses are very excited to have landed Melanie given her popularity." The BBC declined to comment, stating: "We don’t comment on speculation."
Confirmed 2026 Contestants
The 2026 cast already includes EastEnders star Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater, as the first announced contestant. Australian singer Delta Goodrem, who competed in Eurovision 2026, is also participating. Love Island's Dani Dyer, who dropped out of the 2025 season due to injury, returns for a second chance. Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, known for styling Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande, completes the lineup so far.
Lacey Turner said: "I am so excited to be making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing! I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part." Dani Dyer added: "I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September. I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!"
Delta Goodrem expressed her excitement: "I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career... there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor! I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly." Chris Appleton said: "I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story."
New Presenters and Judges for 2026
The 2026 season marks a major change with new hosts following the shock resignations of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman in 2025. Emma Willis, former Strictly professional Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe will co-host. Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood return as judges. Emma said: "To be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can't quite comprehend." Josh added he was "giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed." Johannes described returning as a presenter as "beyond anything I ever imagined." The 2026 season is expected to begin airing in September.
