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Strictly Come Dancing confirms final 2026 contestant with Gavin & Stacey icon

Fancy an omelette, anyone?

Melanie Walters smiling ahead in front of a sparkly backdrop.

BBC

Published: Wednesday, 12 August 2026 at 10:58 am

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Gavin & Stacey icon Melanie Walters has been confirmed as the final celebrity to join the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2026.

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The actor has enjoyed a celebrated career across film, radio, television and theatre, amassing an impressive range of credits over several decades.

Her television work includes roles in Coronation Street, Beyond Paradise, Being Human, Hollyoaks, Biff and Chip, and Doc Martin, while her film credits include Submarine, Resistance, High Tide and Save the Cinema.

On stage, she has appeared in productions such as The Importance of Being Earnest, Blood Brothers, Twelfth Night, Educating Rita and What’s New Pussycat?.

However, Walters is perhaps best known for her portrayal of the omelette-obsessed Gwen West in Gavin & Stacey, a role she has held since 2007 and recently reprised in 2024.

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Walters said of joining the cast: "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!"

She joins a list of impressive famous faces in the line-up, including 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.

Walters rounds out the casting announcement, meaning Strictly season is well and truly here and there are some major changes!

This incudes new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe joining the series, filling the roles of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman who exited the show at the end of last year.

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Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.

Add Strictly Come Dancing to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Katelyn Mensah, smiling against a lime green background.

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.

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