Welsh actress Melanie Walters has said her Gavin and Stacey co-stars have been “hugely supportive” of her Strictly Come Dancing debut and that Joanna Page was “very excited” for her to hit the ballroom floor.

The screen and stage star, 64, best known for playing Gwen West in the BBC comedy, is partnered up with professional Aljaz Skorjanec, 36, on the new series of the hit dance programme.

Walters said being paired with Skorjanec was a “dream come true” as the pair performed together for the first time during the launch show on Saturday night.

Speaking to the Press Association, Walters said her Gavin and Stacey co-stars were “hugely supportive, all of them”.

“Some lovely messages, especially from Jo (Page), who’s just very excited.”

One of the memorable scenes from the comedy series featured a barn line dance after Uncle Bryn, played by Rob Brydon, organised a surprise birthday party for her character Gwen.

When asked if she would be bringing any of her character from the show onto the ballroom floor, she added: “I’ve got no idea. I’ve got no idea what’s going to happen on that ballroom.

“This is Aljaz’s department.”

Walters said it was “mind-boggling” to be asked to join the series and that it was “a bit out of my comfort zone”.

She added: “I’ve not been one for doing panel shows or quiz shows or anything. So, it’s now me, Melanie Walters, which is not what I’m used to putting out there, because I’m quite a private person. I just thought, ‘no, let’s tick that box’.

“And basically, I really want to learn to dance properly. Always have.

“Getting weekly masterclasses. You couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Walters said it was a “dream come true” after she was partnered with Skorjanec, adding that he was her “number one from the start”.

“Absolutely the top.”

Walters starred in Gavin and Stacey from its launch in 2007 and reprised her role for a 2024 Christmas special.

Her television work also 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?.

She also recently appeared in two series of the BBC’s crime mystery series Death Valley.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to screens on Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One.