Melanie Walters for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 / BBC
Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters has been announced as the 15th and final celebrity in the lineup of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The actress, who played Gwen in the much-loved sitcom, joins a group that also includes Paralympic legend Dame Sarah Storey, Big Brother host Will Best and former EastEnders star Lacey Turner.
“Performing in pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room,” said Walters, 64.
“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!”
The full list of celebrities in the lineup:
- Lacey Tuner – former EastEnders actress
- Dani Dyer – reality TV star
- Delta Goodrem – Aussie popstar
- Chris Appleton – hairdresser to the stars
- Cach Mercer – Love Island star
- Will Best – Big Brother host
- Dame Sarah Storey – Paralympic champion
- Jaime Winstone – actress
- Bethany Antonia – House of the Dragon actress
- Shaun Wright-Phillips – former footballer
- Graeme Hall – The Dog Father
- Lawrence Robb – Emmerdale actor
- Tabby Stoecker – Winter Olympics champ
- John Nellis – football content creator
- Melanie Walters – Gavin & Stacey actress
Strictly returns for a new series next month on BBC One and iPlayer.
