Strictly Come Dancing 2026: Melanie Walters Eliminated After Dance-Off Against Shaun Wright-Phillips

Strictly Come Dancing 2026: Melanie Walters Becomes Second Celebrity Eliminated After Dance-Off

Gavin & Stacey actress Melanie Walters has said goodbye to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, becoming the second celebrity eliminated from the 2026 season after losing a dance-off on Saturday night.

Saturday Night's Show

The 64-year-old actress and her professional partner Aljaz Skorjanec performed a Charleston to Gina G's "Ooh Ahh… Just A Little Bit," earning 17 points from the judges. While Motsi Mabuse encouraged Walters to "keep going," judge Craig Revel Horwood admitted he "didn't love" the routine.

Walters and Skorjanec landed in the bottom two for the second consecutive week — a sign of how tough this season's competition has become. In the opening weeks, the pair scored 15 points for their cha cha cha and the same score for their waltz to "Edelweiss" from The Sound of Music during Movie Week.

The Dance-Off

In the results show, Walters faced former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and his partner Alexis Warr, who had scored 15 points for their quickstep to "I'm A Believer" by The Monkees. Both couples performed their routines once more, and the judges delivered their verdict: Mabuse voted to save Walters and Skorjanec, but Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Revel Horwood chose to save Wright-Phillips and Warr.

The majority decision brought Walters' journey to an end, just two weeks into the competition.

A Beloved Star's Farewell

Walters is best known to British audiences as Gwen West in the beloved sitcom Gavin & Stacey, a role that made her a household name. Her casting on Strictly brought joy to fans of the show, many of whom had hoped her warmth and charm would carry her further in the competition.

Despite the early exit, Walters' appearance was celebrated by viewers who praised her effort and spirit on the dance floor. She and Skorjanec are scheduled to appear on It Takes Two on Monday to reflect on their experience.

What's Next on Strictly

With two celebrities already eliminated, the competition is heating up fast. Wright-Phillips lives to dance another week, but the judges' divided opinions suggest the middle of the leaderboard is wide open. Fans will be watching closely next Saturday to see who survives and who joins Walters on the sidelines — and whether any of this season's early favorites can pull away from the pack.