Strictly Come Dancing 2022: First celebrity contestant confirmed

Virgin Radio

4 Aug 2022, 07:29

The time has come! The first celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2022 has been confirmed.

Will Mellor is the first celebrity to be confirmed for the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing starting in Autumn.

Mellor is an actor you’ll probably recognise from an array of soaps and TV dramas that he has appeared in over the last 30 years, including Hollyoaks, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Line of Duty and Broadchurch. Most recently he appeared in Coronation Street as Harvey Gaskell.

Now, the actor is adding Strictly Come Dancing to that list.

He also found his way into the UK Singles Chart in 1998 with the song When I Need You, which got to number 5 and he recently toured the country with a live version of his popular podcast that he co-hosts with Ralf Little, Two Pints with Will and Ralf.

Speaking about the announcement, Mellor 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 is for her as well. Bring it on!”

The news was revealed this morning (4th August) on BBC Breakfast and it is expected that the remaining celebrity contestants will be announced over the coming weeks.

This comes as the hit BBC One show announced a launch date for the upcoming series yesterday. A statement released by the broadcaster invited fans to apply for tickets to the pre-recorded launch show on the 7th September.

Strictly made history last year with the show’s first-ever LGBTQ+ couple and head judge Shirley Ballas hopes this is something that will continue in the series to come.

When asked whether she would like to see more same-sex couples on the show, the dancer told virginradio.co.uk: “I hope so. You know the first of the professionals will be announced very shortly and then also the lineup, and I think it's going to be amazing.

“Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, it will.”

We can't wait to see who else is on the bill!