Strictly Come Dancing star Melanie Walters broke down in tears over an emotional tribute to her late mum during Saturday night's movie week (October 3).
The 64-year-old actress is best known for playing Gwen in the hit BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey, which initially ran for three seasons upon its premiere back in 2007. Fans were delighted when she got a happy ending in the 2024 Christmas special when it was revealed she was seeing Dave Coaches.
Over the years, Melanie has also been seen playing Helen Powell in We are Seven, Bonnie Bevan in Hollyoaks between 2007 and 2009, and appearing in Death Valley in 2025 playing the role of Yvonne Mallowan.
Emotional tribute to her late mum
Paired with Slovenian pro dancer Aljaž Škorjanec on Strictly, Melanie was one of 15 stars who took part in Strictly's movie week on Saturday night. They danced the Waltz to Edelweiss from The Sound Of Music.
During her opening VT, Melanie sat in the cinema with Aljaz, where they watched clips from the Julie Andrews musical. It was here where Melanie teared up as she shared the film's connection to her late mum, Margaret Walters.
“It was my mum’s favourite film, it was played in the house. Unfortunately she got Alzheimer’s and that was the one that really got through to her. We played it at her funeral,” she said before having to wipe away tears.
Aljaz noted: “This Waltz is becoming more and more special.” To which Melanie replied: “It’s going to be extraordinary, she’ll be there in spirit.”
Judges' comments and score
With Melanie transformed into the character Maria von Trapp, the routine sadly contained several mistakes. Thankfully all of the judges were kind with their comments.
Shirley Ballas said: “I’m going to call you Miss elegant… you just are too darling. We had quite a few mistakes, but you carried on. That’s the way to go… We need to really get the alignment of the body right. Keep working on it, it’s not all gloom and doom. You’re a very lovely dancer.”
Anton De Beke noted: “There is so much to like, you have a lovely grace, elegance and poise. The thing that causes you the problems is you're a bit hesitant over what to do.”
Craig Revel Horwood stated: "I was gunning for you, I am on your side. I was thinking ‘this is going really well’. I sat back in my chair and relaxed. Then it all went wrong. You have potential and that’s what I’m seeing in you."
Motsi Mabuse added: “I think you can take one thing that’s really magical from this, the reaction from the audience… People felt touched and moved by your dance. That counts for something.”
Joining presenter Johannes Radebe in the Clauditorium, Melanie said: “It was a very special Waltz, it’s a shame it went a little bit wrong towards the end. It was my mum’s favourite song and film. I wanted to make her proud, I think she’d be proud of half of it.”
Looking to lift her spirits, Johannes said Melanie's mum 'would be proud of all of it'. The judges gave her a combined score of 15 points out of 40.
