Former Hollyoaks star Will Mellor is reportedly set to return to Coronation Street as Harvey Gaskell following the announcement he will be sashaying onto the dancefloor for this series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The actor was unveiled as the first contestant from the new series of the ballroom dancing show, 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 also hit the cobbles as "out-and-out baddie" drug lord Harvey, who now looks set for another appearance in an upcoming storyline after he was dramatically thrown into prison, Metro reports.
Will is even said to be filming top secret scenes, with his return set to be hinted at in upcoming episodes on the ITV soap.
Although Will’s character only joined the soap in March last year, he managed to do his fair share of damage in his time in Weatherfield, gunning down Sam’s mum Natasha and grooming Amy’s boyfriend Jacob into a county lines drug gang.
Following the announcement of his involvement in the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing, Will 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!".
After Will's upcoming Strictly stint was announced, fans online reacted to the news on Twitter, with one writing: “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.”
"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."
