Actress Melanie Walters, best known for her role as Gwen West in the popular BBC comedy "Gavin & Stacey," has been announced as a contestant for the 2026 season of "Strictly Come Dancing." The news was confirmed Wednesday, with Walters set to join a roster of celebrities for the upcoming series, which is scheduled to begin in September.
In response to the announcement, "Gavin & Stacey" co-creator and star Ruth Jones, who plays the character Nessa Jenkins, shared a humorous message on Instagram in character. "O’ Gwen. I hears you’re donnin’ the dancin shoes. Tidy," Jones wrote, offering dance tips and advice. She playfully referenced "Strictly" judges Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood, suggesting Ballas learned her skills from her in the 1970s and advising Walters not to tolerate any "c**p" from Revel Horwood, whom she called a "pussy."
Revel Horwood responded to Jones' post with a playful "Oh, what’s occurring?" – a nod to a catchphrase from "Gavin & Stacey." Fans expressed enthusiasm for Walters' casting, with many urging Jones to appear as Nessa in the audience on a future episode.
Joanna Page, who plays Walters' on-screen daughter Stacey, also shared her excitement, calling the casting "brilliant." Walters, 64, who hails from Swansea, has had a career spanning film, radio, television, and theatre. Her television credits include roles in "Coronation Street," "Beyond Paradise," and "Doc Martin," in addition to her iconic role in "Gavin & Stacey," which she reprised for a 2024 Christmas special. She most recently appeared in two series of the BBC's "Death Valley."
Walters expressed her eagerness to participate in the competition, stating, "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." She added, "I cannot wait to take part in this absolutely iconic show, it's so exciting. See you in September!"
Walters is the final celebrity announced for the 2026 "Strictly Come Dancing" lineup. The full cast includes 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. Despite the completed lineup, some viewers have reportedly criticized the cast as lacking enough "household names."