Melanie Walters is heading from the Gavin & Stacey kitchen to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom. The Welsh actress has been announced as the final celebrity contestant joining Strictly Come Dancing 2026. With this, this year’s lineup is completed ahead of its September return.
Who Is Melanie Walters?
Born in Swansea, Wales, Melanie Walters has built a long career as an actress and performer, working across different parts of the entertainment industry. Although her best known role came through Gavin & Stacey, she has appeared in a wide range of television productions, films and stage shows.
Her television credits include Coronation Street, Beyond Paradise, Being Human, Hollyoaks, Biff and Chip and Doc Martin. On the big screen, Walters has featured in films including Submarine, Resistance, High Tide and Save the Cinema.
Her theatre work has been equally varied. Over the years, she has appeared in productions including The Importance of Being Earnest, Blood Brothers, Twelfth Night, Educating Rita and What’s New Pussycat?
Melanie Walters Is Best Known As Gwen From Gavin & Stacey
Walters’ most recognisable character remains Gwen West, the mother who became one of the familiar faces of Gavin & Stacey. She first took on the role in 2007 and remained part of the show’s much loved ensemble.
Walters returned to the role for the hugely anticipated Gavin & Stacey Christmas special in 2024.
She Has Also Appeared In Death Valley
Walters’ work has continued outside Gavin & Stacey. More recently, she appeared in two series of the BBC comedy Death Valley which brought her back to television in a completely different setting.
Why Is Melanie Walters Joining Strictly Come Dancing 2026?
Walters revealed that she has actually been watching Strictly for years, although her experience of the show has usually come from dressing rooms rather than her own living room.
She told BBC, “Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room. 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!”
Who Else Is In Strictly Come Dancing 2026?
Walters is the final celebrity to join the 2026 cast. She will compete alongside 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 series will air on BBC One and stream on BBC iPlayer this September.
