Actor Will Mellor will compete on Strictly Come Dancing this year.
(Picture: Getty Images)Actor Will Mellor has been confirmed as the first Strictly Come Dancing contestant for 2022.
Strictly will return to the BBC on Wednesday, September 7, and the lineup has just started to be announced.
So far, we know that Mellor will be joined by singer and presenter Kym Marsh, with more lineup announcements expected very soon.
The dancing show sees celebrities from various walks of life compete in pairs with professional dancers to see who can come out on top.
Here’s all you need to know about Will Mellor ahead of his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing next month.
Who is Will Mellor?
An actor from Manchester, Will Mellor’s breakout role as James Bolton in Hollyoaks in 1995 was the start of a varied career.
Since then, he’s had a number of high-profile roles, including Steve Connolly in Broadchurch and PC Rod Kennedy in Line of Duty. Most recently, he joined the cast of Coronation Street as Harvey Gaskell.
The 46-year-old has been married to Michelle McSween since 2007, and they have two kids together. His wife is a dancer, so he may have some extra help ahead of Strictly Come Dancing.
“I’m honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year!” Mellor said in the BBC announcement of his Strictly debut. “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!”
On top of his acting career, Mellor also has a background in music, having reached number five in the UK Singles Chart with When I Need You back in 1998.
More recently, he also toured the UK with a live version of the popular podcast he co-hosts with Ralf Little, Two Pints with Will and Ralf.
