Gavin and Stacey star Melanie Walters has been confirmed as the final celebrity joining the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 cast. The actress, best known for playing Gwen West in the hit BBC comedy, will swap her fairy wand for sequinned dance shoes this September.
Full line-up revealed
Walters joins a diverse line-up that includes YouTuber John Nellis, Olympic gold medallist Tabby Stoecker, Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb, and TV presenter Graeme Hall. The show returns to the BBC in September with three new hosts: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The pro dancer line-up has also changed, with Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Márquez leaving, while Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will be benched.
Notable contestants
John Nellis, a sports YouTuber with 15 million subscribers, said he is 'still in disbelief' about being selected. Tabby Stoecker, who won gold in skeleton at the 2026 Winter Olympics, called it a 'childhood dream'. Former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, actress Bethany Antonia, and Dame Sarah Storey, Britain's most successful Paralympian, are also among the contestants.
Dani Dyer returns after withdrawing last year due to an ankle fracture, and Lacey Turner, known for EastEnders, will also take part.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC in September.
