Will Mellor has been announced as the first contestant for the upcoming 2022 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The actor, 46, starred as Gaz in cult Noughties sitcom Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps, also landing roles in dramas Line Of Duty and Broadchurch.
He joined the cast of ITV soap Coronation Street in 2021 as “out-and-out baddie” drugs lord Harvey, and also starred in Hollyoaks in the early part of his career.
The announcement was made on BBC Breakfast ahead of the 20th series, which will see audiences returning to the studio this year, with the launch show scheduled to be recorded on September 7.
✨ “Bring it on!” Will Mellor is the first celebrity contestant confirmed for #Strictly Come Dancing 2022 and he’s ready to quickstep out of his comfort zone!
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) August 4, 2022
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/ZgTODBTPPW pic.twitter.com/D7aTZHyLU1
Mellor spoke about coming onto the show, and said: “I'm honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year! Not going to lie, it's totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that's what life is all about.
"This is also my Mum's favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this for her as well. Bring it on!”
In the 2021 series, EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis won the show with her professional partner Giovanni Pernice.
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here