Strictly Come Dancing have revealed Will Mellor will be taking to the dancefloor later this year.
The actor was unveiled as the first contestant from the new series of the ballroom dancing show on BBC Breakfast this morning, with the new Strictly star admitting his latest venture is "little out of my comfort zone".
Will also revealed a poignant reason for signing up for the show - explaining how losing his dad in 2020 has motivated him to "grab life and create new memories".
The actor, 46, starred alongside Sheridan Smith as Gaz in cult Noughties sitcom Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps, also landing roles in the likes of Line Of Duty and Broadchurch.
He joined the cast of ITV soap Coronation Street in 2021 as "out-and-out baddie" drugs lord Harvey, and also starred in Hollyoaks in the early days of his career.
The announcement was made on BBC Breakfast ahead of the 20th series, with audiences also returning to the studio this year and the launch show scheduled to be recorded on September 7.
Will 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.
"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]."
"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!".
Will is the first contestant to be announced ahead of the upcoming 20th series of Strictly kicking off, amid rumours Kym Marsh has also signed a deal to join the actor on the dancefloor.
BBC sources have reportedly said they are thrilled to have persuaded the former Corrie star, 46, to join the dance contest, which will return to screens next month.
A source told The Sun: "We have been keen to sign Kym for a while and approached her many times in the past but it has never worked out.
"When we approached her this year she was interested, which was very exciting for us."
Neither Kym or the BBC are yet to confirm the former soap star will be joining Will on Strictly next month.
As Will's upcoming Strictly stint was announced this morning, fans online reacted to the news the actor will be learning a few dance moves over the next few months.
"Will Mellor on Strictly makes a lot of sense - game for a laugh, willing to get kit off for flimsiest plot reasons and demographic targeting of the 90s kids," one satisfied viewed declared on Twitter.
"I bloomin love Will Mellor!! Exciting," another added, while a third quipped: "Quite like Will Mellor. Am old enough to remember fancying him back in his Hollyoaks days."
