When this year’s Strictly Come Dancing lineup was announced, there was much excitement around the inclusion of Melanie Walters, a fan favourite thanks to her role in Gavin and Stacey.
But Walters – who played Stacey’s Omelette-cooking mum Gwen in the hit BBC sitcom – became the second celebrity to be eliminated from the competition following a dance-off with former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips.
After Sunday’s results show (11 October), the Welsh actor expressed her disappointment, writing on Instagram: “So sorry to be leaving the show. Huge thanks for all your support. Diolch yn fawr iawn pawb!
“All the luck and love to my fellow remaining contestants, and the biggest thanks of all to the beautiful soul and amazing teacher @aljazskorjanec. Love you! It’s been a blast.”
Walters, 64, and her professional partner, Aljaz Škorjanec, had received a total of 17 points for their Charleston to “Ooh Ahh… Just a Little Bit” by Gina G, putting them in penultimate place on the leaderboard, just ahead of Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr.
Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Wright-Phillips and Warr, as did Shirley Ballas – and there was hope for Walters when Motsi Mabuse elected to save her. However, this week’s head judge, Anton du Beke, had the deciding vote and used it to send Wright-Phillips through to the next round.
After her exit, Walters told host Emma Willis: “To tell you the truth, no word of a lie, I thought I was going to be out last week, so an extra week with this beautiful soul...” Škorjanec then replied: “You’re an ultimate professional in what you do. That’s why you’re so successful in what you do, and you showed me what hard work really is and what hard work really means.”
He continued: “We started every day with ‘Partner, let’s have the best day ever,’ so I want to to finish this for us with a hug and thank you for every single day in rehearsals and for every single step on that floor.”
On Instagram, Walters’ on-screen Gavin and Stacey daughter, Joanna Page, wrote: “I’m so so proud of you!! Sad you’re leaving, but you were beautiful, honest, heartfelt and looked flipping fab in the outfits!!! Love you!!!”
Walters follows the first eliminated star, celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, who was voted off the competition last week with his pro partner Amy Dowden.
Next week’s Strictly will take the theme of Icons Week, with the celebrities and their partners performing routines inspired by “some of the best-loved recording artists in history”, according to the BBC.
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