Melanie Walters has spoken out about her Strictly Come Dancing exit after she lost her place in the competition following a dance-off against Shaun Wright-Phillips.
The actress, known for playing Gwen West in Gavin & Stacey, was paired with professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec for the 2026 series of the BBC One dance contest. She became the second couple eliminated from the show over the weekend.
Charleston score leaves them near bottom of leaderboard
During week three of the competition, which took place on Saturday night (October 10), Melanie and Aljaz performed a Charleston to Ooh Ahh… Just A Little Bit by Gina G, receiving a score of 17 out of a possible 40 from the judges.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood said he "didn’t love" their dance, while Motsi Mabuse encouraged her to "keep going". The score left them towards the end of the leaderboard, and after the public vote, Melanie and Aljaz were sent into the dance-off against former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and his partner Alexis Warr, who had scored 15 for their quickstep to I’m A Believer by The Monkees.
Judges split over who to save
After both couples performed their routines again during Sunday's (October 11) results show, the judges delivered their verdicts. While Motsi wanted to save Melanie, fellow judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig all chose to save Shaun and Alexis.
Speaking to host Emma Willis, Walters said: "To be honest, no truth of a lie, I thought I was going to be out last week." Her professional partner told the actress she was the "ultimate professional", adding: "You showed me what hard work really is and what it means."
Co-stars rally around Melanie
Following the show, Melanie posted on Instagram alongside pictures from her last performance in the ballroom: "So sorry to be leaving the show. Huge thanks for all your support. All the luck and love to my fellow remaining contestants, and the biggest thanks of all to the beautiful soul and amazing teacher, @aljazskorjanec. Love you! It’s been a blast."
Her Strictly co-stars were quick to respond. Lacey Turner said: "We love you Mel," as Dani Dyer echoed: "Love you Mel." Dame Sarah Storey wrote: "I’m so happy we got to do this show together, Mel you are wonderful, it’s been so much fun and I will miss you." John Nellis posted: "Loved spending time with you, see you soon."
Lauren Oakley gushed: "Beautiful lady, beautiful dancer. I will miss you," as Julian Caillon commented: "Such an incredible person and beautiful dancer." Carlos Gu shared: "We love you Mel!!!! You were an absolutely star!" Gavin & Stacey co-star Joanna Page also added: "I’m so so proud of you!! Sad you’re leaving but you were beautiful, honest, heartfelt and looked flipping fab in the outfits!!! Love you!!!."
