Strictly Come Dancing Unveils Will Mellor And Kym Marsh As First Celebrity Contestants

"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."
Will Mellor
Will Mellor
Carla Speight via Getty Images

The first two celebrities competing on this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing have now been unveiled.

During Thursday morning’s edition of BBC Breakfast, Will Mellor was revealed to be the first star on the line-up.

Best known for his roles in Two Pints Of Lager, Line Of Duty and, more recently, Coronation Street, the British actor 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.”

He added: “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!”

Welcome Will Mellor! Our very first celebrity of #Strictly 2022! 🪩

👉 https://t.co/JdoPt2TKJP @Mellor76 pic.twitter.com/zpREa5N9Le

— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) August 4, 2022

Following this, Kym Marsh was announced as the second famous face to be competing.

Kym said: “I’ve considered doing Strictly for years but the timings never worked out.

“I’m so delighted that this year they have! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress, it’s unreal!”

She's an actress, singer, presenter and now soon to be #Strictly dancer! Say hello to Kym Marsh 💃🏻

👉 https://t.co/uAHSYM3yO8 @msm4rsh pic.twitter.com/76D7WqyUU0

— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) August 4, 2022

Will first rose to prominence in the mid-90s playing James “Jambo” Bolton in Hollyoaks, after which he landed the role of Gaz Wilkinson in Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps, opposite Ralf Little and Sheridan Smith.

As well as appearances in Broadchurch, No Offence and Line Of Duty, he also played the villainous Harvey Gaskell in a key storyline in Coronation Street last year.

Meanwhile, Kym first shot to fame on the reality show Popstars, which saw her becoming part of the chart-topping pop group Hear’Say.

After a short solo career, she then made a move into acting, playing Michelle Connor in Coronation Street for over a decade, and is currently on the presenting team for the BBC’s Morning Live.

Kym Marsh
Kym Marsh
Karwai Tang via Getty Images

This year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing is the landmark 20th run, with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman back on presenting duties.

Check out the full list of rumoured celebs for this year’s series here.

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