Melanie Walters, familiar to many as Gwen West from the hit BBC comedy Gavin & Stacey, has stepped onto the dancefloor as a contestant in the 24th series of Strictly Come Dancing. The 64-year-old Welsh actor is partnered with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec.
Walters joins a new lineup for the BBC reality series, which also features Love Island star Dani Dyer, musician Delta Goodrem, and former England footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips. This series marks the first since the departure of former hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who have been replaced by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe.
Known for her character Gwen's love of making omelettes, Walters has also appeared in shows such as Hollyoaks and Death Valley, alongside a career in British theatre. Outside of acting, she runs a pilates studio, an exercise she described as an obsession.
Speaking about her participation, Walters expressed her excitement, stating she was "completely thrilled and happy to swap my fairy wand for sequinned dance shoes." Gavin & Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones sent a message of support in character as Nessa, offering dance tips and a humorous warning about Craig Revel Horwood.