Joanna Page has named the professional dancer she wants paired with her former co-star Melanie Walters, after Walters was confirmed as the latest celebrity to join Strictly Come Dancing this series. Page made her pitch to Magic Radio, and her answer may not surprise anyone who has watched Vito Coppola on the show.
Melanie Walters Strictly Come Dancing: Joanna Page’s perfect pairing
Speaking to Magic Radio, Page was unequivocal about who she’d love to see beside Walters on the dance floor. ‘I think that Mel would be really good with Vito because he’s just a lovely, lovely fella,’ she said. ‘He’s really nice, really good fun and excitable as well so she’ll be doing some really exciting moves, but she is pretty tall… but no I would have to say Vito, he’s lovely and you just want to have fun and work with him.’
Page, who played Stacey to Walters’s on-screen mum Gwen, added that she will be watching the series ‘every week’ to cheer her friend on. Walters has also been seen more recently opposite Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth in the cosy murder mystery series Death Valley.
Praise from Page did not stop at the dancing. She revealed a lesser-known fact about Walters that suggests she may be better prepared for the ballroom than most newcomers. ‘I want to say she’s very flexible, because she is, I don’t know if people know this, but she’s a qualified Pilates instructor so if anybody can do it, Mel can do it,’ Page said. The core strength that comes with Pilates training is widely credited with helping dancers maintain posture and balance, which could give Walters a quiet edge in those early weeks.
Page also had plenty to say about how her friend will look under the Strictly lights. ‘She’s gorgeous! Last time we went to an awards do she was in like this beautiful peacocky green [outfit] and it looked like someone had poured oil down her in the dress she was wearing, so I know that she will look amazing as well.’ Summing up, Page was brief and confident: ‘I think she will be absolutely fab on it.’
A full line-up taking shape for the new series
Walters is the 15th celebrity contestant confirmed for the new series, according to the BBC Media Centre. She joins a cast that includes YouTuber John Nellis, Lawrence Robb, Olympic gold medallist Tabitha Stoecker, Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Jaime Winstone, Sarah Storey, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Graeme Hall.
Behind the scenes, the BBC Media Centre has confirmed that Emma Willis will present the series, with Johannes Radebe among the professional dancers and Josh Widdicombe in the ballroom for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. It is a presenting and professional line-up that adds its own flavour to what promises to be a lively run of shows.
The series is expected to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September. If Joanna Page gets her wish on the pro pairing, fans can look forward to watching Walters and her Pilates-honed flexibility put to the test alongside one of the ballroom’s more enthusiastic personalities. Either way, Page has made clear she will have her eyes glued to the screen from week one.
Related Posts
