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Strictly reveals final contestant for new series
- On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the BBC confirmed Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters as the 15th and final celebrity contestant for the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
- The upcoming series features a major shake-up, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe taking over presenting duties while judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas remain.
- Best known as Gwen West in the BBC sitcom, Walters, 64, said she is "completely thrilled" to swap her "fairy wand for sequinned dance shoes" this September.
- Rounding out the cast, Walters joins EastEnders star Lacey Turner, Love Island champion Cach Mercer, and Paralympic legend Dame Sarah Storey preparing for the September launch.
- As the series approaches its September launch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, the production introduces five new professional dancers for its 24th series.
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Gavin and Stacey icon’s gas response to co-star signing up for Strictly
Gavin and Stacey fans were sent into a spin on Wednesday after Ruth Jones shared her priceless reaction to Melanie Walters signing up for Strictly Come Dancing — and she did it in full Nessa mode. Melanie, who played omelette-loving Gwen West in the beloved BBC sitcom, has been announced as the last celeb on […]
Coverage Details
Total News Sources25
Leaning Left7Leaning Right0Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution65% Center
Bias Distribution
- 65% of the sources are Center
65% Center
L 35%
C 65%
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