Melanie Walters says she 'felt the fear and did it anyway' after Strictly exit divides judges and fans
From the Newshound archive · first published 11 October 2026 · last updated 13 October 2026.
Melanie Walters, 64, has broken her silence after becoming the second celebrity eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2026, telling viewers she feels proud for conquering her fears despite the judges splitting three-to-one to send her home. Three judges chose to save former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips and partner Alexis Warr over Walters and Aljaz Skorjanec after a tense Sunday dance-off. Walters posted on Instagram that it had 'been a blast', with Gavin and Stacey co-star Joanna Page among those leading tributes.
Motsi Mabuse was the only judge to save Walters; Anton Du Beke cast the deciding vote for Wright-Phillips in a tight call.
Fans were furious online, with viewers insisting Walters 'was robbed' and gave 'much more energy' in the dance-off than her rival.
Walters has been called 'the most disappointing celeb in years' by some critics, while she herself has said she refuses to live with regret at 64.
More
The TelegraphStrictly Come Dancing results: Melanie Walters leaves as the most disappointing celeb in years - The TelegraphDaily MailStrictly 2026 results: Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters and Aljaz Skorjanec are the second couple to be voted out after their Charleston fails to impress the judgesBBC News - WalesGavin and Stacey's Melanie Walters voted off Strictly Coming DancingThe GuardianStrictly Come Dancing week three results – as it happenedMetroSecond couple eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing in ‘heartbreaking’ resultThe IndependentSecond celebrity eliminated from Strictly Come DancingThe SunStrictly fan favourite becomes the second star to be eliminated after a tense dance-offEvening StandardGavin and Stacey star Melanie Walters second celebrity to exit Strictly Come DancingEvening StandardMelanie Walters breaks silence on Strictly exit as fans blast 'shocking' dance-offEvening StandardMelanie Walters on overcoming fears and saying yes to StrictlyThe MirrorStrictly Come Dancing 2026: Melanie Walters voted out second after splitting the judgesEntertainment FocusMelanie Walters is the second celebrity to leave ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ 2026 - Entertainment Focus
