Gavin & Stacey’s Melanie Walters has swapped the frying pan for sequins this autumn

Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters has switched the frying pan for sequins as she enters Strictly Come Dancing 2026. The BBC One hit show returns this autumn with a line-up of celebs, and new hosts, but there’s a string to Melanie’s bow that will help with her fitness and flexbility on the dancefloor.

The 64-year-old Swansea star, known for her role of Gwen West in the sitcom, has had a lengthy acting career including television work includes roles in Coronation Street, Beyond Paradise, Being Human, Hollyoaks, Biff and Chip, and Doc Martin, while her film credits include Submarine, Resistance, High Tide and Save the Cinema.

But away from stage and screen the star is a successful Pilates teacher, who founded her own studio at home in Swansea. Originally caled, Practical Pilates Ltd – now Pili Pala, Melanie is still listed as an instructor, and her passion for core strength will undoubtedly give her the edge doing the flexible dance moves.

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Back in 2013, Melanie spoke to WalesOnline about her Pilates passions and explained why she took up the strengthening excercise regime.

“I took up Pilates originally because I had been told it was very good for improving posture. I had started to notice that my back was getting quite curved, a bit like those signs you see for old people,”she said.

“I had quite a round tummy and bigger hips – I was like a barrel with thin pipe-cleaner arms and legs – and was living in London and just felt I wanted to do some sort of gentle exercise. I took to it really easily. I wasn’t ready for yoga because I felt my mind would wander too much but I absolutely loved pilates from the very beginning. And when my body started to change shape, it was great.

“It helped my upper body strength, and slimmed me down in my centre and, what can I say, I’m no longer barrel-shaped!”

Melanie enjoyed Pilates so much that she went on to become a certified trainer at the Pilates Institute in London, gaining qualifications in specialised areas such as backcare Pilates, Pilates in pregnancy, clinical posture and functional rehabilitation.

“The great advantage with Pilates is that everyone can do it. There is no age limit. I have people who come to my studios who are aged from 15 up to about 90 years old. It’s very low impact so it is suitable for everyone. It is wonderful for improving mobility and flexibility but the real benefit is that is fantastic for the posture and builds strength in the important core muscles. It is also good for rehabilitation after an injury or fall,” she said.

“Pilates helps give a strong core stability to help with everyday physical challenges, a supple body that breathes deeply and a mind/body connection that uplifts the spirit and can ease stress. It doesn’t work your heart and lungs though, so that’s something you have to do in the gym.

“We moved back just before having [son] Rowan as it was easy enough to travel to London from here for jobs and as I got more interested in Pilates I found I could still keep the career going, but also have time to concentrate on my son and settling in Swansea.”

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While Melanie is still listed as an instructor on Pili Pala’s website, there are no classes scheduled for the rest of 2026 for obvious reasons – find out about the Pilates studio, here.

Since 2007, Melanie has been best known for her beloved portrayal of the mild mannered, omelette-obsessed Gwen West in the acclaimed BBC comedy Gavin & Stacey, a role she reprised for the smash hit 2024 Christmas special. Most recently, viewers have seen Melanie in two series of the BBC’s hit Death Valley.

Melanie Walters says: “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!”

Melanie completes this year’s celebrity lineup alongside Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, and John Nellis in the 2026 Strictly Come Dancing line-up.

Strictly Come Dancing 2026 launches on September 18 at 7.25pm.

By DOLLY BUSBY

Published: 16:21 BST, 19 September 2026 | Updated: 18:30 BST, 19 September 2026

Damon Albarn is the latest musician to turn his back on Ed Sheeran as he draped a Palestinian flag on his shoulder and declared: ‘Don’t ever be neutral.’

Widespread outrage towards the Shape Of You singer, 35, began on Monday when it was announced that Macklemore would be dropped from Sheeran’s tour for his ‘Free Palestine‘ speech on stage weeks earlier.

All other supporting acts of the singer’s worldwide Loop tour dropped out in solidarity throughout the week, yet Sheeran will go ahead with the tour and perform in Philadelphia on Saturday night.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations were planned outside the Lincoln Financial Field stadium where tickets were being sold for as little as £56 amid the ongoing controversy.

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Joining in on the backlash was the Blur frontman, 58, who on Thursday night, while performing on stage in Florida with his band, Gorillaz, used it as a moment to speak out against Sheeran.

Taking a Palestinian flag from an audience member and dressed in a bizarre military-like uniform, he told the crowd: ‘Don’t forget this. Ever. Stand your position. Don’t ever be neutral.’

Damon Albarn is the latest musician to turn his back on Ed Sheeran as he draped a Palestinian flag on his shoulder and declared: ‘Don’t ever be neutral’

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A source close to Albarn confirmed the pro-Palestine message, delivered at the sell-out show at the Kia Centre in Orlando, was related to the Sheeran scandal.

They added: ‘Damon has made no secrets of his support for the Palestinian cause over many years. He just doesn’t believe it’s possible to stay neutral over the issue, and is surprised by the way Ed Sheeran has explained himself over the Macklemore stance. He thinks it’s only made things worse.’

Meanwhile, The Mail on Sunday has learned that the row began only weeks after the English singer had signed one of the biggest record deals in music history.

After leaving the Warner Music label that first propelled him to fame after a 15-year contract, Sheeran concluded a new multimillion-pound deal with Interscope Records in July.

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Interscope won a highly competitive bidding war against Sony Music. The move reunited Sheeran with Interscope CEO John Janick, who previously worked with him during Janick’s tenure at Warner’s Elektra Records.

On Monday, Macklemore shared a post on Instagram claiming Sheeran and his management had ‘made the decision to remove’ him from the Loop Tour.

Sheeran and Albarn pictured together at the Brit Awards in 2015

The following day, Sheeran blamed the promoter for the removal of the rapper, who is a longstanding friend of his but is known to be politically outspoken, from the tour, which began in January.

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He wrote in a social media statement: ‘Upcoming tour dates had communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting.’

The Perfect singer added that Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft, whose venue was scheduled to host a show, was among those objecting.

‘I am not complicit,’ Sheeran wrote. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care.’

Among the musical acts who have withdrawn from Sheeran’s tour are Irish artist Aaron Rowe, Grammy-winning musician Finneas, who is Billie Eilish’s brother, alongside Danish singer Lukas Graham.

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Princess Diana’s brother is set to make fresh revelations in another TV interview on Sunday, after a bruising week of bombshell allegations against King Charles

Princess Diana’s brother insists he is “not bitter” towards King Charles despite wild claims in his book triggering anger from Buckingham Palace.

A war of words broke out in the wake of Earl Charles Spencer’s allegation Charles told him Diana would be forgotten “soon enough” after her death. Earl Spencer accused the then Prince Charles of launching into a furious tirade during a phone call in the days after the princess was killed in a Paris car crash, alongside her lover Dodi Fayed, in 1997.

However, in a new interview set to air on Sunday in the US, the aristocrat insisted: “I’m absolutely not bitter. I can tell you. If I was bitter, this book would be… more bitter.”

Asked if he has any resentment towards the King or the royal family, including the late Queen, he added: “I’m not really in the business of resentment. I’m at the stage in my life where the past is the past, and some of it’s worth recording.

“But I don’t hold resentments, primarily because I don’t think it’s good for the person to do that themselves. I’ve let a lot go. I’m not a vengeful, resentful, person. I’m just an eyewitness to history.”

The Earl, 62, gave a sitdown interview to the US TV station CBS at his home at Althorp, Northamptonshire, ahead of the publication of his new book Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, on Tuesday. The publication of extracts this week led to Buckingham Palace issuing a strongly worded rebuke just over an hour after the Earl’s claims were made public.

The extraordinary royal statement denied the claim and said the King is “mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgement and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss”. In the new memoir, Earl Spencer also claims Charles had “sounded giddily elated” when he called him after Diana’s death. And he even alleges that he sounded like he had won the lottery.

The book also includes the Earl claiming he hung up the phone on the then future King after telling him how he strongly disagreed with the royals’ decision to have princes William and Harry – then aged just 15 and 12 – walk behind their mother’s coffin. He also claims in the tome that a lack of obvious care for Prince Harry at his mother’s funeral allowed him to “spin out of control” and that immediately after Diana’s funeral he was told Queen Elizabeth had offered to restore his sister’s Her Royal Highness title, which he rejected.

Asked by CBS Senior Foreign Correspondent Mark Phillips during the interview if he has any remaining relationship with King Charles, Earl Spencer said: “No, I don’t actually. Look, he came into my life as a brother-in-law and that relationship ended.

“And so, you know, he’s still my King. I respect the Crown, and that’s it, but there’s no personal relationship. He’s a former brother-in-law to me, really, and he’s my monarch and that’s it.” Earl Spencer added: “I always think people are amazed by how little I follow the royal family ’cause it’s just not me. I have so many interests, but I’m not being rude about them… I’m not interested in the royal family.”

Speaking about his claims in a separate interview with BBC TV presenter Laura Kuenssberg this week, Earl Spencer said: “I’m telling the truth.” He also alleged he had told friends and family “straight away” about an alleged outburst by the then Prince of Wales “because it wasso monstrous”.

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Meanwhile, veteran journalist David Dimbleby today spoke about the ongoing row and claimed Princess Diana is “still deeply resented” inside Buckingham Palace. Mr Dimbleby, who spent decades covering royal events, told BBC Radio 4: “Diana was the prime example of someone who didn’t act like the rest of the Royal Family – she was fresh, new and exciting to the public and they really adored her.

“And that was deeply resented in the palace. And still is. And this kind of tit for tat over who said what, and only two people know what was actually said just reignites all that.”

Mr Dimbleby went on to describe the Royal Family as “a bit of a soap opera”, but warned against the monarchy becoming “trapped in this cycle of gossip”. He added: “People are fascinated and I think whenever any tittle tattle reaches the public domain, people sort of think about it in terms of their own families. “They all have problems and then suddenly… this family that is set up on a pedestal of being leaders of the country – they have problems too.”

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Kim Kardashian and her boyfriend Lewis Hamilton opted for London’s favourite mode of transport during their visit – the humble Lime bike.

The influencer and businesswoman, 45, is currently in the capital for the opening of a Regent Street branch of her SKIMS store.

But it wasn’t all work for The Kardashians star, who was spotted exploring the city on bikes with her racing driver partner, 41.

Despite being worth a combined £1.87billion ($2.5billion), the couple took the lower-cost option of cycling around the city.

Lime bikes, favoured by Timothée Chalamet and Harry Styles, have been an increasingly popular option for stars travelling around London.

Kim showed off her famous curves in a pair of leggings with a white top and black jacket, her hair was piled up and she added huge shades. 

Lewis, known for his fashion-forward looks, wore a leopard print jacket with sports leggings and trainers, also adding shades and a cap. 

The influencer and businesswoman, 45, is currently in the capital for the opening of a Regent Street branch of her SKIMS store

The couple were followed by a bodyguard who kept a close eye on them.

Kim enjoyed a quintessentially British day as one of her stops during their cycle included indulging in an afternoon tea.

Kim celebrated the opening of the SKIMS flagship store in London on Friday evening and was every inch the fashion chameleon as she sported three looks.

It was a milestone moment for the television personality, who co-founded the multi-billion dollar shapewear and loungewear brand back in 2019.

She wowed in a snakeskin co-ord as she was seen catching up with her hairdresser Chris Appleton ahead of his Strictly debut. 

She then arrived in a figure-hugging nude brown dress which was adorned with eyelet detailing. 

The racy number featured a plunging neckline and sheer skirt. Kim complemented the look with lace-up heels and a glamorous make-up look. 

A number of stars also attended including Eulah founder Rochelle Humes, Leomie Anderson and Ellie Bamber. 

Keen to continue the night, Kim then rocked a skintight brown dress with lace-up detailing to her aftershow party for London Fashion Week. 

Kim enjoyed a quintessentially British day as one of her stops during their cycle included indulging in an afternoon tea

At her store opening, Kim wowed in a figure-hugging nude brown dress which was adorned with eyelet detailing

The racy number featured a plunging neckline and sheer skirt. Kim complemented the look with lace-up heels and a glamorous make-up look

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Kim’s appearance comes after she enjoyed a cosy date with boyfriend Lewis Hamilton.

They looked more than loved-up as they stepped out for dinner at estiatorio Milos on Thursday night.

They arrived in London after spending time in Paris.

The couple headed out on a date on the same day that a Paris court awarded her just one euro in compensation for having been the victim of an armed robbery in the French capital in 2016.

Kim lost $10million-worth of jewellery in the terrifying October 2016 raid, including a $4million engagement ring from West that has never been recovered.

Two of the robbers, dressed as police, forced their way into her suite, bound Kardashian with zip ties and tape, leaving the reality star fearing she would be raped or murdered.

Because of their ages, the robbers became known in France as ‘les papys braqueurs’, or the grandpa robbers. Six of them were in their 60s and 70s when they were tried for armed robbery, kidnapping, gang association and other charges.

Kim and Lewis were first linked on another trip to Paris in February of this year, but it wasn’t until June that they made their relationship Instagram official.

Since then, the racing driver has made himself a solid presence in Kim’s life and even become a regular fixture with her siblings and four children.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star is the mother of daughters North, 13, and Chicago, eight, as well as sons Saint, 10, and Psalm, seven.

She shares the children with her ex-husband, Kanye West, whom she married in 2014 before splitting in 2021, though their divorce wasn’t finalized until the following year.

The village has previously been named as one of the best places to live in Cambridgeshire

There are so many unique and pretty villages that make up the great county of Cambridgeshire. While the county is home to bigger cities such as Cambridge and Peterborough, there are some villages that offer people a more quiet and tranquil life.

Hemingford Grey, nestled just a few miles outside Huntingdon, is one of these quieter villages with a more peaceful life to offer. The village is one of the lesser-known villages in the county.

It was previously named as one of the best places to live in the county by Muddy Stilettos. For those living in Hemingford Grey, there are some scenic views as the River Great Ouse runs through it. The village lies on the river’s southern bank, offering views of a picturesque flood meadow on the northern bank. The river also runs alongside the historic St James Parish Church.

As well as its pretty views, Hemingford Grey is home to one of the oldest inhabited houses in Britain – The Manor. The house was built around 1130 by Payn Osmundsen, who was a tenant of Aubrey de Vere. Over time, the house grew in size, including when it doubled in size during the 1730s. Although it grew, this extension burnt down in 1798.

In 1939, the house was bought by author Lucy Boston who renovated it and tried to restore it back to its original state as much as possible. During her ownership, Lucy also added the cottage gardens to the manor.

They are filled with snow drops and winter flowering shrubs in winter and bearded irises and old roses in spring. People are able to visit and explore the gardens and take in the beauty of them.

The gardens are open daily from 11am until 5pm. The house is only open for guided tours and these must be arranged by appointment only.

In an update at 15:00, the fire service said that nine fire engines remained at the scene “dampening down any remaining hotspots”.

Station manager Lawrence Pater said the “very severe” fire had raised concerns about the structural integrity of the building, and that it was seeking advice from inspectors.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council has set up a welfare centre at the Three Hills Sports Park and nearby residents have been advised to avoid the area of the fire and close windows and doors.

“We are supporting all emergency services involved in the response and their efforts to get people to safety”, the council said.

South East Coast Ambulance Service said it assessed a number of people at the scene and one person was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

A spokesperson for Britannia Hotels Group, which runs the Grand Burstin Hotel, said it was “taking immediate action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all guests and team members”.

“Emergency services are on site and we are fully cooperating with the authorities to support those affected and assist with the ongoing response”, it added.

Ross Honeycomb, 39, was staying at the hotel with his family and told the BBC that they were woken by fire alarms at about 01:00.

He said: “I thought I was dreaming, it was horrifying.

“We looked out and there was smoke billowing from the underground car park. Later we started hearing explosions.”

“It has just been madness. I have been out barefoot all night.”

This year’s Strictly stars are…

EastEnders’ Lacey Turner

Stacey Slater has ditched Albert Square for square dancing (could be a couple’s choice, you never know!)

Dani Dyer

She was queen of the Love Island villa, but will she be queen of the dancefloor?

Delta Goodrem

From Eurovision to Strictly – Delta’s going to be well acquainted with sparkles and fake tan by the end of the year.

Chris Appleton

He can cut Kim Kardashian’s hair, but can he cut it up on the dancefloor?

Cach Mercer

Will last year’s Love Island winner be adding Strictly champ to his list of achievements?

Will Best

Will he be the Best at waltzing or the samba?

Dame Sarah Storey

Winning competitions? The Storey of this paralympian’s life!

Jaime Winstone

This actress hopes to put the Win(stone) in Glitterball Winner

Bethany Antonia

House of the Dragon star Bethany has battled the royal families of Westeros, how hard can the quickstep be?

Graeme Hall

He knows how to make dogs behave, but does he know how to dance?

Lawrence Robb

Will Emmerdale star Lawrence get a 10 or will he be Robbed?

Tabby Stoecker

Tabby is going from Team GB to Team Glitterball

John Nellis

Social media star John has plenty of fans online hoping to tune in to see him boogie

Melanie Walters

Anyone fancy an omelette? Gavin & Stacey’s Gwen is making her way to Strictly

Shaun Wright-Phillips

He’s a football superstar, but is he quick-footed on the dancefloor?

Why is “lb” short for “pound”?

Right. So what about ounces?