United Kingdom
Argentina 
Australia 
Austria 
Brazil 
Canada 
Chile 
Czechia 
France 
Germany 
Greece 
Italy 
Mexico 
New Zealand 
Nigeria 
Norway 
Poland 
Portugal 
Sweden 
Switzerland 
United States Who Is Will Mellor as he joins Strictly 2022 line up? Career, age, wife and more
Get your dancing shoes on – Strictly Come Dancing is back and Will Mellor has been confirmed as the first contestant for this year’s series.
The Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps star will hit the dancefloor for what will be the 20th series of the show.
Upon being announced, Will said in a statement: ‘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.
‘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!’
But who is Will Mellor? Here’s everything we know about his career, whether he’s married, has children, and his social media handles:
Who is Will Mellor?Will Mellor is an English actor, model, and singer hailing from Bredbury, a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, Greater Manchester.
His career began in 1990 when he played Ben Rowlingson in the children’s programme Children’s Ward.
In 1995 he rose in prominence when he joined the cast of Hollyoaks as James ‘Jambo’ Bolton until 1998.
From 2001 to 2011 he starred in one of his most iconic roles as Gaz Wilkinson in BBC comedy Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps.
He has also had roles in the likes of No Offence, Broadchurch, Barking!, and White Van Man.
In 2021, he began appearing in Coronation Street as drug lord Harvey Gaskell.
Mellor has also tried his hand in the music business, releasing a cover of Leo Sayer’s When I Need You, which reached number five in the UK Singles Chart.
He then released a follow-up single called No Matter What I Do, which reached number 23.
Head judge Shirley Ballas will be joined once again by fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.
Anton Du Beke will also be returning to judge, after it was confirmed that he would be officially replacing Bruno Tonioli.
Who are the new professional dancers?There are four new pros joining the line-up: Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Which professional dancers have left?After the 2021 season, it was announced that fan-favourite pros Oti Mabuse and Aljaž Škorjanec would not be returning for the 2022 series.
Will there be a studio audience?Yes – following past restrictions put in place due to the pandemic, the full studio audience is set to return this year, while the see-through dividers between the judges will also be removed.
When is the show returning?The BBC has revealed that the launch show for the 2022 series is due to be recorded on Wednesday September 7.
Therefore, it’s likely that it will air a few days later on Saturday September 10, although the exact date of the first episode is yet to be disclosed.
Find out more about Strictly 2022 here.
Mellor married his wife, Michelle McSween, in 2007.
They met when they starred together in the stage musical Oh, What a Night in 1999.
McSween is a dancer and actress who is best known for the films De-Lovely and All Star Mr & Mrs.
Speaking to The Mirror after his marriage, Mellor said: ‘It’s great being able to say ‘my wife’.
‘We were always a good unit but now we’re married, it feels stronger somehow, more solid.
‘Can you believe it? I’m an old married man now and I love it.’
Does he have any children?Mellor and McSween share two children, 18-year-old Jayden and 14-year-old Renee.
Speaking to OK! Magazine, Mellor revealed that his children have very different emotions towards his fame.
He said: ‘Jayden is really laid-back about it all, but Renee gets quite embarrassed!
‘I picked her up from school the other day and there was a group of kids waving at me frantically.
‘She got in the car like, “Drive! Drive! Drive!”. She’s great at spotting when people are secretly filming and taking pictures though.’
Is he on Instagram?You can find Mellor on Instagram at the handle @willmellor76.
There you can find plenty of selfies, family photos, and updates from his time on tour with Ralf Little for Two Pints Podcast.
MORE : Who is Kym Marsh as she joins Strictly 2022 line up? Age, husband, Corrie role and more
MORE : Strictly Come Dancing fans shocked and caught off guard by celebrity line-up announcements: ‘It’s officially the beginning of Christmas season’
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
