Gavin and Stacey icon Ruth Jones reacts to co-star Melanie Walters' Strictly news with hilarious message from Nessa to Gwen

Melanie Walters will have her Gavin and Stacey co-stars in her corner when she takes to the floor for Strictly Come Dancing next month.

The actress, who plays Gwen in the hit BBC show, has joined the line-up for the 2026 series of Strictly.

The news on Wednesday was met with huge excitement from fans, and Melanie, 64, even received a message from Nessa.

Gavin and Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones, who plays Nessa on the show, shared a hilarious message after hearing the news, writing in the style of her iconic character.

'You’re doing @bbcstrictly this is amazing news!!' Ruth wrote on Instagram. 'And I’ve got a message here from Nessa.'

'O’ Gwen. I hears you’re donnin’ the dancin shoes. Tidy,' she began, before name checking Strictly judges Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood.

'@shirleyballas learnt all she knows from me back in the 70s. So if you needs any tips on rhythm just call. And don’t take no c**p from @craigrevel. He’s a pussy.' 

Craig quickly commented on the post, borrowing Nessa's line: 'Oh, what’s occurring?'

Fans were delighted with the message, with many telling Ruth 'you have to be in the audience as Nessa one night!'

Melanie's on-screen daughter Joanna Page also shared her joy at the news, reposting Strictly's announcement and gushing 'Oh My god I'm so excited!!' 

Melanie is the final celeb to be announced from the 2026 line-up, with the show kicking off at the end of September.

Swansea-born Melanie has enjoyed a celebrated career across film, radio, television and theatre, amassing an impressive range of credits over several decades. 

Her television work includes roles in Coronation Street, Beyond Paradise, Being Human, Hollyoaks, Biff and Chip and Doc Martin, while her film credits include Submarine, Resistance, High Tide and Save the Cinema. 

On stage, she has appeared in productions such as The Importance of Being Earnest, Blood Brothers, Twelfth Night, Educating Rita and What's New Pussycat?

Since 2007, Melanie has been best known for her beloved portrayal of the mild-mannered, omelette-obsessed Gwen West in the acclaimed BBC comedy Gavin & Stacey, a role she reprised for the smash-hit 2024 Christmas special. 

Most recently, viewers have seen Melanie in two series of the BBC's hit Death Valley.

Melanie gushed: 'Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly 'fix' has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room'.

'This year I am completely thrilled and happy to swap my fairy wand for sequinned dance shoes.'

'I just hope I don't follow Cinderella and leave one on the Ballroom stairs. I cannot wait to take part in this absolutely iconic show, it's so exciting. See you in September!'

Melanie completes this year's celebrity lineup alongside Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker and John Nellis.

The cast for the upcoming 2026 series is complete but disappointed fans of the BBC's flagship show have criticised the 'weak' line-up, with fans claiming there aren't enough 'household names'.

Fans were delighted to see Melanie on the lineup after Wednesday's announcement with one writing: 'Ridiculously excited for this casting.' 

'Oh what’s occurring.. it’s Gwen. What a brilliant casting. Excited for this one.' 

'Finally an actual celebrity!' agreed another.