Melanie Walters, best known for her role in Gavin & Stacey, has a hidden advantage over her Strictly Come Dancing co-stars, according to her on-screen daughter Joanna Page. The actress was the final celebrity confirmed for the BBC One show, which returns next month with 15 famous faces competing for the Glitterball Trophy.
Qualified Pilates Instructor
Speaking on Magic Radio, Page said: "I will be watching every week, supporting her. She's brilliant, and she's a pretty nifty mover. I think she will be absolutely fab on it." She added: "I want to say she's very flexible, because she is, I don't know if people know this, but she's a qualified Pilates instructor, so if anybody can do it, Mel can do it!"
Walters joins Lacey Turner, John Nellis, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton and others in the line-up. Reflecting on her decision to take part, 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!"
Fan and Celebrity Reactions
Fans and friends welcomed the news, with one writing: "Omg @melaniewalters2025 I cannot wait to watch you." Another added: "Ridiculously excited for this casting." Former Strictly star Amber Davies wrote: "THIS IS FANTASTIC," while professional dancers Nancy Xu and Amy Dowden shared "welcome @melaniewalters2025" and "Yayyyy xxx welcome x" respectively.
Line-Up Criticism
The new line-up has faced criticism as nine stars have dance experience, with around 60 per cent of the cast having previously danced, attended stage school, studied performing arts, or taken part in stage productions. An insider told the Mirror: "There is no rule that celebrities cannot have dance experience before taking part, and it would be near impossible to find a cast of celebrities who have no previous dance experience, as many people in the entertainment industry go to stage school."
Walters completes the 2026 line-up alongside 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. Some viewers have admitted struggling to recognise a number of this year's contestants.
