Huge Gavin and Stacey star tipped for Strictly Come Dancing
"Oh, alright love"
Last updated 5 hours ago
With Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem and Chris Appleton already confirmed for this year's Strictly Come Dancing, rumours are heating up about which other famous faces have signed up for the show.
As new hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe prepare to kick off the new series in September, rumours are now rife that Gavin and Stacey legend Melanie Walters has signed up to take part.
Melanie, who plays the role of Stacey's mum Gwen on the hit BBC comedy, has reportedly excited bosses with her signature.
A source told The Sun: "Melanie is loved across the country for her role as Gwen.
"The Gavin & Stacey Christmas special in 2024 saw millions of fans turning in for the final episode of the series.
“BBC bosses are very excited to have landed Melanie given her popularity."
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As well as appearing on Gavin and Stacey, 64-year-old Melanie has starred in huge shows like Casualty, Father Brown, Holby City, Death Valley, The Bill and Hollyoaks over the years. Most recently, she played the role of Geraldine Desai in Beyond Paradise.
Although the BBC are yet to officially announce Melanie's involvement in the show, they have already confirmed four celebs for the 2026 series.
EastEnders actress Lacey Turner was the first name announced earlier this month, before reality star Dani Dyer confirmed she would be returning to the show, after being forced to quit last year when she injured her ankle.
Australian singer Delta Goodrem will also appear, as well as celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton, who has worked with the likes of Kim Karsashian, Chrishell Stause and Ariana Grande.
Check out all of the Strictly 2026 rumours below:
Melanie Walters
Actress Melanie Walters, best known for playing the role of Gwen on BBC comedy Gavin & Stacey is rumoured to have signed for the 2026 series, with a source saying she's "very excited".
Josie Gibson
As well as landing a brand new show with ITV/STV called How To Clean Up For Cash, former Big Brother star and This Morning presenter Josie Gibson is reportedly being lined-up for the 2026 series of Strictly.
A source told a national newspaper: "Josie has been on the BBC's radar for a while and they've not given up their pursuit. They're hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well. Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year's new-look show needs. Warm and engaging, she's just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans."
Jake Quickenden
Singer and TV personality Jake Quickenden has seemingly put his name in the hat for this year's Strictly! In May 2026, Jake got his fans talking when he shared a post on X which read: 'Has anyone who's done dancing on ice ever done @bbcstrictly just wondering'. Of course, Jake took part in Dancing On Ice in 2018, so could he be eyeing up a slot on Strictly?
Sarah Jayne Dunn
Former Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jayne Dunn hasn't been shy in expressing her ambition to take part in this year's Strictly. The actress has started a social media campaign where she's manifesting that she will get the call from bosses!
GK Barry
GK Barry a.k.a Grace Keeling, a social media personality, podcaster and presenter who first blew up on TikTok with lifestyle videos during university. She is best known for hosting the podcast Saving Grace and for TV appearances including I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, Loose Women, Love Island: Aftersun, The Weakest Link and The Last Leg.
Speaking on her podcast, Saving Grace, on 30th April 2026, guest Dani Dyer asked whether Grace would ever take part in the competition. Grace didn't give a definitive answer but hinted it could be a possibility - prompting one commenter to speculate: 'So Grace is doing Strictly this year ;)'. (sic).
Stacey Solomon
Another well-known name on this year's rumoured list is Stacey Solomon! Stacey is no strange to working with the BBC, with her show Sort Your Life Out now onto its sixth series, as well as her reality show Stacey & Joe airing last year. With the mum-of-five being a fan favourite, bosses will be keen to get her signature.
Tom Parker Bowles
Food critic Tom Parker Bowles, also known as Queen Camilla's son, was reportedly top of the BBC's wish list for the 2025 series. However, after Tom didn't appear on the line-up, could we see him on the 2026 series?
Strictly Come Dancing will return in September.