Very popular Gavin & Stacey star signs up for Strictly in huge win for BBC show

GAVIN & Stacey star Melanie Walters has signed up for Strictly.

The Welsh actress, 64, plays Stacey’s omelette-loving mum Gwen West in the hit BBC sitcom.

A source said: “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.”

Melanie, from Swansea, also teaches pilates and is a qualified personal trainer.

She won an S4C reality show featuring celebs learning the Welsh language in a week, and once had a small role in Casualty.

Gwen appeared in the first Gavin & Stacey episode in 2007 and her obsession with cooking omelettes for house guests has had viewers in stitches.

In the 2024 Christmas finale, Gwen shocked fans by revealing her romance with bus driver Dave Coaches (Steffan Rhodri), the ex-fiancé of Nessa Jenkins (show co-creator Ruth Jones).

The news stunnned Gwen’s brother-in-law Uncle Bryn (Rob Brydon) and her son Jason West (Robert Wilfort).

Melanie will take to the Strictly dancefloor with other signings, singer Delta Goodrem, Love Island’s Dani Dyer, EastEnders’ Lacey Turner and celeb hairdresser Chris Appleton.

Last week The Sun on Sunday revealed Paralympic cyclist Dame Sarah Storey had signed.

Meanwhile new Strictly host Emma Willis will be presenting The Voice on ITV on Saturdays this autumn — after the channel confirmed it will air its pre-recorded series.

The broadcaster kept delaying the singing show’s release date from last year, amid rumours it could be axed.

A source said: “Emma is going to be the face of Saturday night telly.

“It’s a bit awkward as Strictly is her shiny new gig, but she also has promotional duties with The Voice.”