The Gavin and Stacey actress teased that fans could see a bit of Gwen West on the Strictly dancefloor
Fans of both Gavin and Stacey have been wondering if Melanie will pay tribute to her iconic character on the Strictly dancefloor(Image: BBC)
With just days to go until the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 launch show, Melanie Walters has teased Gavin and Stacey fans that she may pay tribute to the sitcom on the dancefloor. The actress, who is best known for playing Gwen West in the popular BBC comedy, was the final celebrity to be confirmed for the 2026 series of Strictly.
Swansea-born Melanie has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning film, radio, television and theatre, accumulating an impressive array of credits over several decades. Alongside Gavin and Stacey, her television work includes appearances in Coronation Street, Beyond Paradise, Hollyoaks, and Doc Martin.
Now, however, Melanie is venturing beyond her comfort zone and making her way to the Strictly ballroom. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
Fans of both Gavin and Stacey and Strictly have been wondering if Melanie will pay tribute to her iconic character and her birthday barn dance on this year’s competition.
Thankfully, showbiz reporter Indigo Stafford asked the question we all wanted to know the answer to.
When interviewing Melanie she said: “From Gwen’s surprise barn dance to the Strictly dance floor, are you aware that the Gavin & Stacey fans are absolutely desperate to see some of those moves on the stage?
The actress replied: “I’ve heard this. I’ve heard this rumour, and what can I say? I mean, yeah, if it comes my way, I would be delighted to. But, um, hopefully they’ll do something more than just clapping to the left and clapping to the right, ’cause that’s actually all I do in that clip.
Indigo said: “I’m sure you’re probably learning some more advanced skills.”
Melanie continued: Yeah, yeah, yeah. And, uh, yeah, if they put that, um, if they do “Islands in the Stream,” then I’m sure we’ll come up with something. I don’t know, no, no, no, no, no spoilers! I… but, you know, I think that would just, I mean, that would be a great thing to do, but, you know, the powers that be will have to decide on that. So…
The interviewer then asked: “Is there anything you learned from that show that you’ll be taking on to the stage?”
In true Gwen West style, Melanie joked: “I’ll have to ask Bryn about that, love!”
On Friday, September 11, Melanie featured on BBC’s Morning Live, where she expressed her enthusiasm with presenters Gethin Jones and Michelle Ackerley.
She said: “I’m so excited, so excited, it’s unbelievable. Really, I’m trying to keep everything together.
“We haven’t done an awful lot to be honest with you. We’ve done some group dances and we have recorded the launch show. So, that’s all we’ve done. We haven’t started training yet, so that’s gonna start on Monday… I can’t wait actually.”
Gethin then remarked: “Hang on a minute though. This means that you know who your partner is?”
Melanie cautiously responded “yes”, before adding: “I’m literally not saying anything! No, no, no, no.”
Michelle observed that Melanie appeared “happy” with her partner, commenting: “That’s good.”
The star beamed and responded: “Yes, yes, but you’re not getting anything from me until the 19th. It’s the 19th [when] you’re gonna find out all.”
You can watch the Strictly Come Dancing launch show from 7.25pm on Saturday, September 19 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
