The final Strictly Come Dancing 2026 contestant has been revealed as Gavin and Stacey icon Melanie Walters. The BBC dancing competition is scheduled to return in September.
It's been a period of change for Strictly, which was won last year by former footballer Karen Carney and pro dancer Carlos Gu. For several months, fans were pondering just who would replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on presenting duties. It was confirmed earlier this year that Love Is Blind UK's Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe will serve as the show's first hosting trio.
Pro dancer line-up changes
On top of Johannes moving to presenting, there's been further change for the pro dancer line-up with Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez all leaving the series. Strictly recently revealed five new professional dancers are joining the show to replace those who have departed this year: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.
Rather than wait until closer to the series, Strictly has been slowly revealing just who is competing this year. EastEnders icon Lacey Turner was the first to be announced, with her best known for playing Stacey Slater on the soap. Neighbours actress and Australia's Eurovision entry Delta Goodrem and Kim Kardashian's hairstylist, Chris Appleton, will also be testing their dancing skills. Dani Dyer is returning to Strictly, having pulled out with injury last year following the initial launch show.
Full line-up revealed
Love Island winner Cach Merce, Big Brother presenter Will Best, cyclist and swimmer Dame Sarah Storey, Sumotherhood's Jaime Winstone and House of the Dragons' Bethany Antonia are also preparing to see if they have what it takes to wow the judges. With Man City legend Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme 'The Dogfather' Hall, Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb, Olympic gold medallist Tabby Stoecker and YouTuber John Nellis all recently announced, the final participant was unveiled on Wednesday morning (August 12).
Arguably saving their biggest announcement to last, Melanie Walters is the 15th and final celebrity taking part. Melanie is best known for playing Gwen West in the acclaimed BBC comedy Gavin & Stacey. She last played the mild mannered, omelette-obsessed Gwen in the smash hit 2024 Christmas special. Serving as a series finale, it was revealed that Gwen was in a secret relationship with Dave Coaches.
Melanie's reaction and career
Melanie said of the news: “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!”
Outside her work alongside James Corden and Ruth Jones, Melainie has enjoyed a celebrated career across film. Her television work includes roles in Coronation Street, Beyond Paradise, Being Human, Hollyoaks, Biff and Chip, and Doc Martin. She's appeared in hit films such as Submarine, Resistance, High Tide and Save the Cinema. On stage, she has appeared in productions including The Importance of Being Earnest, Blood Brothers, Twelfth Night, Educating Rita and What's New Pussycat?
