Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Part 2: More Q&As with Melanie Walters, Chris Appleton and Graeme Hall!
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is almost here, and this time, Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe take the helm, as a brand-new year in the ballroom begins. The launch show opens in spectacular style, with an incredible performance from the entire Strictly cast. Fifteen celebrities nervously wait to find out their professional partners and this year – there’s a twist.
Five new Pros make their entrance on the dancefloor and reigning champion, Karen Carney returns for an epic performance. Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke return to the judging panel to keep a watchful eye over proceedings before the competition officially kicks off next Saturday, September 19th on BBC1 at 7.25pm.
Melanie Walters
How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?
The best mix of excited and nervous. I can’t wait to find out who I’ll be dancing with, and to then finally get going and start learning some routines!
What made you say yes to Strictly?
It was a little bit of “now or never” really. I’m not getting any younger! It just felt like the right time to dive into something like Strictly, which is something completely outside my normal life and my comfort zone. I’ve no formal dance training to speak of, my involvement in musicals and pantos have been as a character actress not a dancer, but I have always loved to dance. We’re talking disco, not clubbing! This is such an opportunity to push my boundaries and learn some beautiful routines and show them on live television!
What are you most looking forward to and what are you most nervous about?
I’m most looking forward to meeting my dance partner and I hope we have a really good connection and a really happy time together. I cannot wait to learn all the techniques that come with Ballroom. I have very little experience in that style of dance so it will be a great challenge. Of course, I am also excited to see what fabulous outfits I am going to be wearing! I’m nervous about my head saying “yes I can do that move”, but my body disagreeing!
Do you have a signature dance move?
Not a clue how you would describe it… I think it might be called “freestyle”.
If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?
There’ve been too many brilliant routines to choose one, but in general as a viewer I love a waltz, a quickstep and a tango! Those are the ones I’m especially hoping to do on the show.
How did your family and friends react when you told them?
My friends were just absolutely delighted. My family and I are so close and they are always so supportive of whatever I do – even though they don’t understand why I do it!
Is there anyone in particular – whether family or friend – who you’re doing Strictly for?
I’m primarily doing Strictly for myself and everybody who is over 60. For all us women in particular who are in their 60s, who have a chance to seize an opportunity but shy away from taking it – fearing they’re too old. We’re always learning and growing at whatever age. There’s no such thing as being ‘past it’, things may become different as we get older but we’re no less valid.
What are you hoping to get out of the experience?
I am truly just doing it to learn a fantastic new skill and hopefully have an absolute blast doing it. Dancing is so freeing and such a good way of expressing yourself. To have this opportunity to learn how to dance properly, from the professionals, on the most brilliant dance floor possible is almost too good to be true. I’m getting a weekly masterclass – unbelievable! I just want to dive into Strictly heels first and give it 100 percent.
What would be your dream song to dance to?
My favourite song is always in the moment. I hear a song and depending on my mood it’s the best song ever and I’ll listen to it about 10 times in a row there and then, and will swan around the living room to it as if I’m on Strictly, and then the next day or week I’ll hear something completely different and the same thing will happen again. A bit like the weather, it’s constantly changing. I’m excited for all the new favourite songs I hope I’ll get to have on Strictly.
Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?
I know I’ll end up having one, but what it will be will depend on what I do that first week. So, I’ll need to make sure it’s not too lengthy or complicated as I will have to do it every week from there on in!
How would your family and friends describe your dancing skills?
I quite honestly can say I don’t think my family have ever seen me dance enough to comment. My friends think I’m quite a good mover though!
One of your most iconic roles over the years is Gwen in Gavin & Stacey, do you think Gwen would be able to flip an omelette while doing the Cha Cha Cha?
I think Gwen could do absolutely anything whilst simultaneously making an omelette. If Gwen was a contestant on Strictly, I think it’s safe to say all the contestants, crew, hosts, and judges would be well fed. She would be given extra training by Nessa (who taught Shirley Ballas all she knows) and Bryn would take over her wardrobe, in his element choosing the sequinned dresses for her. After making Nessa’s wedding outfit, she would probably make a few of her own…
Chris Appleton
How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?
It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’m genuinely honoured to be part of the 2026 class alongside some incredible celebrities and dancers who I can’t wait to meet! I’ve always believed in pushing yourself and embracing new challenges, so this felt like the perfect chance to do exactly that. I’m especially excited to join the Strictly family this year in particular, and to meet Emma, Johannes and Josh as they host the show for the first time.
What made you say yes to Strictly?
I’ve loved watching Strictly for as long as I can remember, so when the opportunity came along, it felt like one I couldn’t pass up. I’ve always believed in saying yes to new challenges, especially the ones that push you outside your comfort zone. That’s something I’ve always done throughout my career, however dancing is something completely different for me, and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. One thing I’m not a stranger to is showbiz glam, so I’m really excited to wear the incredible outfits and try out different looks each week!
What are you most looking forward to?
I really cannot wait to get stuck into the live shows. There’s something really special about performing in front of an audience, especially when it’s on live TV! It’ll definitely be nerve-wracking, but I think that’s what makes it even more exciting. I’m also so excited to meet my dance partner! The dancers on Strictly are always legendary and I can’t wait to see who I’ll be working alongside and learning from.
What are you most nervous about?
I keep having a recurring dream that the show begins, and I’m out there on the dancefloor in front of the studio audience and cameras… and suddenly I forget all my moves. So fingers crossed that doesn’t happen!
Do you have a signature dance move?
Definitely the dad dance. I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to bring that one out, or if it’s something anyone should see…
If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?
Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett’s Jive in 2004! It’s known as one of the greatest routines of all time and rightly so. Jill absolutely smashed it with a perfect score of 40, so if I can get anywhere close to that it’d be incredible.
How did your family and friends react when you told them?
They were absolutely thrilled. I think they’re even more excited than I am! Everyone has been so supportive from the moment I told them. Strictly is such an iconic show that so many people have grown up watching, so getting the chance to be part of it is really special. They’ve all been encouraging me every step of the way, and I know they’ll be cheering me on throughout the competition.
Is there anyone in particular – whether family or friend – who you’re doing Strictly for?
My kids and my mum were definitely the most excited. They’ve always loved Strictly, so when I told them I was doing the show, they couldn’t believe it. Seeing how happy and supportive they were made saying yes feel even more special. I’m so excited to see my family in the audience cheering me on.
What are you hoping to get out of the experience?
I’m hoping to come away having learned a completely new skill and with memories that will stay with me forever. I want to enjoy every moment, challenge myself, embrace the experience and hopefully surprise myself with what I’m capable of.
Have you had any advice from any former contestants?
My friend Chrishell has done Dancing with The Stars in the US. The best piece of advice she gave me was to just have fun and enjoy every bit, because it goes so quickly.
What would be your dream song to dance to?
One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston
Have you met any of your fellow Strictly 2026 alumni before?
I haven’t, but I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and making new friendships along this journey! It was so exciting seeing the announcements and finding out who I’d be dancing alongside. It’s going to be so fun meeting some of the iconic names from our screens and people I’ve grown up watching too.
Do you have any backstage rituals to get you in the zone?
Calling my kids will definitely be my number one ritual. They will encourage me and help me to get into the zone and focus on what I’m about to do, as well as just remembering to have fun. I know I’ll be thinking of them when I’m out on the dancefloor.
How would your family/friends describe your dancing skills?
Any friends and family who have danced with me at parties or at home, I’d say would hopefully describe my dancing skills as always having fun! However, my kids might say otherwise.
You have friends who have taken part in Dancing with the Stars in the US. What made you want to take part in Strictly instead?
I have friends who’ve taken part in Dancing with the Stars in the US, but for me, Strictly felt like the right fit. Being from the UK, there’s something really special about taking part in such an iconic British show – it genuinely feels like coming home to my roots. Having my family here as well makes it even more meaningful, because they’re so excited to support me throughout the whole journey. I can’t wait to be in London and head back home to Leicester too.
Graeme Hall
How do you feel about joining the Strictly class of 2026?
More excited than I’ve ever been to get stuck into something. I’m feeling quite apprehensive, but I imagine that’s normal.
What made you say yes to Strictly?
I love dancing. I did a little dancing as a hobby years ago, but had to stop when I had a stroke. I recovered fully after a heart operation, but I haven’t danced for years. I’m a huge Strictly fan. We always watch in our house and try predicting what the judges (especially Craig) are going to say. I’ll be more anxious than ever to know what he and they think this year!
What are you most looking forward to?
Wearing a tail suit. When does a chap ever get to dress up in a tail suit these days? I love the elegant look. I’m known for my tweed and cravats, but Strictly takes ‘dapper’ to a new level, doesn’t it? Oh, and the sparkles. In for a penny…!
What are you most nervous about?
I’m most nervous of the nerves themselves, messing up a routine on the night and letting my partner down. I’m a bit of a perfectionist. ‘If a job’s worth doing it’s worth doing right’ is something I say a lot and I’ll work hard to get it right but there’s no accounting for stage fright. Strictly is way out of my comfort zone!
Do you have a signature dance move?
I’m confident I can walk down the famous Strictly staircase looking the part. I reckon I’ll be good at that, but as for actual dancing, no signature moves I’m afraid. I was rather good with The Funky Gibbon (by The Goodies) at the school disco in 1975. Does that count…?
If you could perform any iconic Strictly routine from past series, which would it be?
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz’s quickstep to Sing, Sing, Sing. So fast, so sharp, so elegant. Very Fred Astaire!
And JB Gill’s Viennese Waltz to Let’s Go Fly a Kite 2024. It literally looked like he and Lauren were flying. Lauren’s the favourite female pro in our house! I also loved their Samba to Mas Que Nada. I’ve no idea how I’m going to move my hips and chest like JB, but I’ll give it a go!!
How did your family and friends react when you told them?
They were over the moon for me. I was quite taken aback. I heard from old friends I haven’t spoken to for a while too. There was a bit of mickey-taking from my mates, it has to be said. My fellow Yorkshireman, the chef James Martin, laughed his head off when he heard: “You have no idea what you’re letting yourself in for!” he said. James made the semi-final in 2005, which is something he was quick to remind me of. The gauntlet has been thrown down!
In my spare time I race a 1960s MG sportscar in a speed hillclimb and sprint championship. I’ve been leading the overall championship from the start of the season in April, but there’s a good chance I might not win ultimately as I’ll miss the last couple of events due to Strictly. Hey ho! The other drivers have been lovely – one saying that if I lose because of Strictly, I’ll be “the best overall champion the championship never had”. I was very touched. Recently, I spun the car 360 degrees in practice, trying too hard. One of my championship colleagues wasted no time in describing it as “a pirouette Shirley Ballas would be proud of”. Very funny…
Is there anyone in particular – whether family or friend – who you’re doing Strictly for?
My mum. She’s 90 on 6th September this year. We lost my dad a few years ago and she still lives in the bungalow where I was born in Selby, North Yorkshire.
She met my dad, literally on the dance floor, in the late 1950s. They danced jive, as everyone did then, but also waltz and – my mum’s favourite – quickstep. Apparently, they would fly around the dancefloor, quickstepping their way past everyone else. I would love to make her proud.
One of my dad’s sayings was “Do your best. No one can ask any more of you”. Good advice, isn’t it? I’ll 100% be doing my very best on the dancefloor for my mum and in memory of my dad.
What are you hoping to get out of the experience?
Strictly Come Dancing is a life experience that money can’t buy. I think of it this way: This is series 24 and there are 15 celebs. Do the maths: that’s not a lot of people in the whole wide world who have been given this opportunity to learn something so joyous from the best in the business. How lucky am I…?! I’m going to enjoy every single minute of it, work hard and hope it lasts for many weeks.
What would be your dream song to dance to?
It’s so hard to choose one but as an avid Strictly viewer, I know the music choice really makes the performance (There’s also the small matter of dancing, telling the story etc!). I’d love to waltz to a classic such as Moon River, or a cheeky Cha Cha to Rufus Thomas’ Walking the Dog because, sooner or later, I HAVE to dance to a dog song, right…?
How would your family/friends describe your dancing skills?
I think they might say it was erm… surprising. I’ll let everyone else judge whether that’s surprisingly good or otherwise, ha ha!
Reviewer of movies, videogames and music since 1994. Aortic valve operation survivor from the same year. Running DVDfever.co.uk since 2000. Nobel Peace Prize winner 2021.