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Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is coming, and the class of 2026 is complete! The hotly anticipated new series will light up Saturday and Sunday nights this autumn on 麻豆社 One and 麻豆社 iPlayer, with star of stage and screen Melanie Walters becoming the final name announced for the celebrity cast of 2026.

The news was announced on Wednesday 12 August via @bbcstrictly鈥檚 official social channels on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.

Swansea-born Melanie Walters 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鈥檚 New Pussycat?

• Strictly Come Dancing 2026 celebrity contestants confirmed
• Add Strictly Come Dancing to your Watchlist on 麻豆社 iPlayer

Since 2007, Melanie has been best known for her beloved portrayal of the mild mannered, omelette-obsessed Gwen West in the acclaimed 麻豆社 comedy Gavin & Stacey, a role she reprised for the smash hit 2024 Christmas special. Most recently, viewers have seen Melanie in two series of the 麻豆社's hit Death Valley.

Melanie Walters says: "Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly 鈥榝ix鈥� 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鈥檛 follow Cinderella and leave one on the Ballroom stairs. I cannot wait to take part in this absolutely iconic show, it鈥檚 so exciting. See you in September!鈥�

Melanie completes this year鈥檚 celebrity lineup 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 in the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing line-up. Further news will be revealed throughout the summer ahead of the brand-new series getting underway on 麻豆社 One and 麻豆社 iPlayer this September. Viewers can add the show to their watchlist on 麻豆社 iPlayer now.

Strictly Come Dancing is a 麻豆社 Studios Entertainment production for 麻豆社 One and 麻豆社 iPlayer.

For all the latest breaking news from the ballroom check out our Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Everything You Need to Know guide.

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