The star, best known for being on Gavin and Stacey, will be taking to the ballroom for the latest series of the BBC show.
But aside from her role as Gwen in the popular sitcom, Walters has enjoyed a long career across both screen and stage.
Here is everything to know about the actress as she prepares to step onto the dance floor.
Who is Melanie Walters?
Melanie Walters is a Welsh actress from near Swansea, best known for playing Gwen West, the widowed mother of Stacey Shipman in BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey.
She joined the show in 2007, stayed until 2010, and returned for Christmas specials in 2019 and 2024.
But the star first began acting in the late 1980s, with her first credited role being Milwen Parry in two episodes of The District Nurse in 1987.
She later appeared in Screen Two, Mistress of Suspense and Coronation Street, before roles in We Are Seven, Belonging and guest appearances in The Bill, Dangerfield, Casualty and Holby City.
During her time on Gavin & Stacey, she also played Bonnie Bevan in Hollyoaks between 2007 and 2009.
Alongside television work, Walters has appeared on stage and in pantomimes.
Her credits include Educating Rita, Blue Remembered Hills, The Importance of Being Earnest, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella.
Since 2025, she has played Yvonne Mallowan in BBC crime mystery series Death Valley and in 2026, she appeared in Beyond Paradise.
For all things Strictly, read our article here – Latest Strictly Come Dancing updates including start date, new hosts, lineup and more
What has Melanie Walters said about being on Strictly?
She was the last celebrity to be announced for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The actress said: “Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ 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’t follow Cinderella and leave one on the Ballroom stairs.
“I cannot wait to take part in this absolutely iconic show, it’s so exciting.
“See you in September!”
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When does Strictly Come Dancing start?
Strictly Come Dancing’s first episode will air on Saturday, September 19.
Viewers can tune in to see the 2026 launch show from 7.25pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
The live shows start on Saturday, September 26 and will air every Saturday until December 19 – the final weekend before Christmas.
Will you be watching the new series of Strictly Come Dancing? Let us know in the comments.
