Soap star Will Mellor becomes the first celebrity to be unveiled from Strictly Come Dancing 2022's line-up ahead of the show's much-anticipated return this September. The actor will be partnered with one of the twenty pro dancers in the quest to the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
The BBC hit show Strictly Come Dancing is set to hit TV screens this September with the biggest line-up in history to mark its own 20th series and the broadcaster's 100th anniversary. Aside from the judging panel and the team of professionals - which has four new faces this year, the much-awaited celebrity line-up for this year's edition still remains relatively unfilled, with only two celebrities announced on Thursday's installment of BBC Breakfast. Specifically, former Coronation Street star Will Mellor has been confirmed as the first Strictly Come Dancing contestant for 2022. He will be joined by Morning Live host Kym Marsh before more lineup announcements are made.
After becoming the first celebrity contestant, Mellor 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 also explains the heartbreaking reason why he signs up for the show, saying:
'I lost my dad in 2020 and from then I've just thought I've got to grab life - I've got to do things and create new memories. My mindset changed and that's the reason why [I signed up for Strictly].'
But before Mellor makes his ballroom debut, here’s everything we know about his background, career, and family.
Who is Will Mellor?
Born on 3 April 1976, Will Mellor grew up in Bredbury, a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, Greater Manchester. According to Metro, he first burst into the public eye in 1990 when he played Ben Rowlingson in the children's drama series Children's Ward. His breakout role came in 1995 when he was cast as James 'Jambo' Bolton in Channel 4's soap opera Hollyoaks, working there until 1998.
Following the success, Mellor went on to have a number of high-profile roles. From 2001 to 2011, he starred as Gaz Wilkinson in BBC's comedy Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps. The series catapulted Mellor into the spotlight and earned him other prominent roles in No Offence, Broadchurch, Barking!, and White Van Man. In 2021, he joined Coronation Street as drug lord Harvey Gaskell.
Aside from acting, Mellor was once an aspiring singer. He released a cover of Leo Sayer’s When I Need You, which reached number five on the UK Singles Chart. Mellor then went on to release a follow-up single No Matter What I Do, which reached number 23.
Will Mellor's marriage life
Will Mellor met his wife, Michelle McSween when they co-starred in the stage musical Oh, What a Night in 1999. According to Metro, McSween is a dancer and actress who's most famous for appearing in De-Lovely and All-Star Mr & Mrs.
The couple tied the knot in 2007. After his marriage, Mellor expressed his joy to the Mirror:
‘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.’
After 15 years together, Mellor and McSween share two children, 18-year-old Jayden and 14-year-old Renee. The family is living in a modern property in Chesire. On his Instagram account, the star once shared a snap of his house in Christmas, which featured a deep green painted wall and cozy white fireplace.
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⋙ Strictly Come Dancing announces two celebrity contestants for 2022 series
