Strictly Come Dancing 2022: Will Mellor revealed as first celeb - who is actor, who he played in Line of Duty

The line-up for the 2022 series of Strictly Come Dancing has been announced and Greater Manchester is set to be well represented.

Line of Duty and Coronation Street star Will Mellor will be hoping to dance his way to the title this winter.

Here’s all you need to know about Will, including where he’s from, which shows he has been in, and what he had to say following the announcement he would be joining the show.

Who is Will Mellor?

Will Mellor is recognisable from several leading roles he has held during a career which has spanned 30 years.

Will is known for his many acting roles over the last 30 years, including starring in Hollyoaks, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Line of Duty and Broadchurch.

Will also starred in BBC hospital drama Casualty between 2001 and 2003 and a three episode arc on Eastenders in 2007.

Most recently he appeared in Coronation Street as Harvey Gaskell, a villainous drug lord who appeared in 37 episodes of the show from March to October 2021.

As well as his acting career, Will reached number 5 in the UK Singles Chart with ‘When I Need You’ in 1998.

He recently toured the UK with a live version of the popular podcast he co-hosts with Ralf Little, Two Pints with Will and Ralf.

He will be joined on Strictly by actor Kym Marsh.

Who did he play in Line of Duty?

Line of Duty is a gripping drama which has drawn in millions of viewers during its six series so far, and Will appeared in the third of these.

Will played PC Rod Kennedy, who was knocked unconscious and killed by DI Matthew Cottan in the episode ‘The Process’.

Where is Will Mellor from?

Will Mellor was born in Bredbury, in the borough of Stockport, Greater Manchester on 3 April 1976. He has been active in acting since 1990.

What did Will Mellor say about starring in Strictly Come Dancing?

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.”

He will have at least one dedicated fan cheering him on this autumn, as Will added: “This is also my Mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this for her as well. Bring it on!

“I’m a bit worried about being Strictly-fied, I must admit! Because I am just me, I'm a working class kid, although I do enjoy dressing up a little bit and having a bit of fun.

I'm worried about spray tans because everyone keeps telling me I've got to have spray tan and I've never had one and I really don’t want one! But I've heard that once you're in the swing of it, you love it. So I'm taking every day as it comes and trying not to look too into the future.”

When does Strictly Come Dancing 2022 start?

Strictly bosses revealed that the launch show will be recorded on Wednesday, 7 September.

It’s likely that the show will return on Saturday, 10 September with presenters Claudia and Tess welcoming this year’s line-up once again.

How do I get tickets for the Strictly Come Dancing launch show?

Tickets for the launch show are also the same as the pre-recording show, with all of the same rules and regulations applying to both sets of tickets.

Also, like the pre-recording show, you can apply for tickets on theBBC website.