# Melanie Walters participation in Strictly Come Dancing

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/melanie-walters-participation-in-strictly-come-dancing
> Updated: 2026-09-24T11:15:50.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

Welsh actress Melanie Walters, known for her role as Gwen West in the BBC comedy ‘Gavin & Stacey’, was announced as a contestant for the 24th series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. 

Partnered with professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, the 64-year-old performer described the opportunity as a ‘dream come true’ but noted that appearing as herself rather than a character is ‘absolutely terrifying’ and ‘out of her comfort zone’. Despite her experience in stage musicals and pantomimes, Walters lacks formal dance training and expressed a desire to ‘tick that box’ by learning professional skills through the show’s masterclasses.

Following her debut, Walters shared that her ‘Gavin and Stacey’ co-stars have been ‘hugely supportive’, specifically noting that Joanna Page was ‘very excited’ for her participation. When asked if her ballroom routines would include elements of her famous character, Walters replied, ‘I’ve got no idea.’

The new series features a refreshed hosting lineup including Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, following the departures of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. Walters joins a contestant roster that includes Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: Melanie Walters to compete in Strictly Come Dancing

Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters is set to compete in the 24th series of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, marking a significant step out of her professional comfort zone.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/melanie-walters-to-compete-in-strictly-come-dancing

### 2026-09-20: Melanie Walters receives co-star support for Strictly Come Dancing debut

Actress Melanie Walters says her ‘Gavin and Stacey’ co-stars are ‘hugely supportive’ as she debuts on Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/melanie-walters-receives-co-star-support-for-strictly-come-dancing-debut

### 2026-09-13: Melanie Walters joins Strictly Come Dancing lineup

Actress Melanie Walters, known for her role in ‘Gavin & Stacey’, will join the latest series of BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ as one of 15 contestants.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/melanie-walters-joins-strictly-come-dancing-lineup

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Cite as: Melanie Walters participation in Strictly Come Dancing. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/melanie-walters-participation-in-strictly-come-dancing