Gavin and Stacey star Melanie Walters will have a hidden advantage in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, according to her co-star and on-screen daughter Joanna Page. BBC has announced the full line-up of celebrities, with Walters among the names taking part.
Co-star reveals Pilates qualification
Speaking on Magic Radio, Page said: "I will be watching every week, supporting her. She's brilliant, and she's a pretty nifty mover. I think she will be absolutely fab on it."
Page added: "I want to say she's very flexible, because she is, I don't know if people know this, but she's a qualified Pilates instructor, so if anybody can do it, Mel can do it!"
Walters excited for iconic show
Reflecting on her decision to join Strictly, Walters said: "Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly 'fix' has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room."
She added: "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!"
Line-up and dance experience controversy
The show returns next month, with 15 famous faces taking to the dancefloor. Joining Walters will be Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, and John Nellis.
The new line-up has faced criticism as nine stars have dance experience. In a statement, the show said: "There is no rule that celebrities cannot have dance experience before taking part, and it would be near impossible to find a cast of celebrities who have no previous dance experience, as many people in the entertainment industry go to stage school."
