Melanie Walters has opened up on overcoming her fears and saying yes to Strictly Come Dancing, speaking exclusively to The Standard.
On Sunday, October 13, the Gavin and Stacey star became the second celebrity to be eliminated from the competition, following a dance-off against Shaun Wright-Phillips and his partner Alexis Warr.
Proud to have signed up
Reflecting on her journey, the actor said she feels immensely proud to have signed up to the show.
“It was something I really had to think about, whether I wanted to put myself out there,” she said. “So the fact that I decided to feel the fear and do it anyway, it makes me feel proud.”
“So wherever it ends, I feel as if I've won that particular battle with myself, which is the fear battle, you know?”
Saying yes to opportunities
Asked about why she felt it had been the right time to participate on the show, Walters explained that she doesn’t want to live with regret as she gets older.
“I don't want to regret anything or having not done something simply because I was too scared to do it,” she said. “I wouldn't wanna look back and say, ‘Do you know? I was offered to do Strictly and I said no, and I wonder what that would've been like.’”
“I thought, ‘No, no. You've got, you've got to say yes. You've got to say yes to every opportunity’.”
In a message to those watching at home, the 64-year-old encouraged people not to let their worries stop them from living their life. “You need to say yes to any amazing opportunity that comes your way. And even if you think, ‘Oh no, I couldn't possibly do that,’ or whatever, forget about that. Just say yes.”
Biggest challenge
Asked what her biggest challenge had been throughout the competition, the actor said that having to perform as herself and not behind a character is something that does not come easily.
“I think that was the biggest challenge, is actually trusting me to be me, you know? Not trying too hard or whatever. Just be me and all will be well.”
Following her elimination, Walters posted a carousel of pictures on Instagram 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.”
