Strictly's Will Mellor favourite to win as fans are already 'hooked' on star's 'snake hips'

Will Mellor recently announced that he's been struck down with a virus and has been unable to train with his Strictly Come Dancing partner Nancy Xu over recent days and new pictures show just how much he is suffering. The soap star, 46, revealed that he has been battling an illness in a video shared on Instagram, and explained that he attended dance training on Monday but was forced to head back home. Will, who has continued to wow with his Strictly performances so far, was seen on Thursday following his appearance on Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two and could be seen looking run down as he arrived at a hotel in London.

Millie Gibson was all smiles as she reunited with her Corrie bestie for an afternoon pampering session in Manchester city centre. The glam soap stars were seen leaving House of Evelyn together, looking the picture of autumnal chic and a far cry from the famous soap cobbles.

Strictly Come Dancing star Will Mellor tragically lost his beloved dad in 2020, but he has found a way to hold him close when he’s out on the dancefloor.The former Hollyoaks actor wears a meaningful accessory that once belonged to his father every time he steps out in his sequins. Speaking exclusively to OK!, Will said: “I wear his ring every day for every performance. I always have a little moment with it before I go on and dance.

It wouldn’t be Strictly Come Dancing without the show’s iconic movie week, and week 3 of the contest did not disappoint as the remaining couples took to the floor to perform a selection of Hollywood inspired dances. From a Lion King inspired Samba, right through to an emotional Cha Cha Cha inspired by Flashdance, there was plenty of colour, energy and emotion in each of Saturday’s performances. However it was Will Mellor ’s performance with partner Nancy Xu that got many fans talking, as the toe tapping duo performed a highly sensual American Smooth to Dirty Dancing track Cry to Me.

Strictly 's Tony Adams is the favourite to be booted off the show this weekend after managing to escape the first dance-off.

Strictly Come Dancing fans were quick to react on Twitter after judge Shirley Ballas made a blunder live on-air at the start of Saturday's show. As the show opened, Tess Daly called to Shirley, 62, for comment as she announced that the voting lines would be open on the show this week.

Strictly Come Dancing's Will Mellor admitted his "mind went blank" as he unfortunately made a mistake in his opening dance with pro Nancy Xu.The actor, 46, and pro, 31, opened the BBC One show on Saturday with a Salsa to Never Too Much by Luther Vandross, where during the routine Nancy lost one of her earrings. After performing, host Tess Daly pointed out: "Losing buttons and earrings and all sorts, we are live after all!" While during the judges' feedback, they pointed out some errors in the routine as Shirley Ballas said: "There were some mistakes this evening, I saw your little face - it's quite difficult to repick it back up but you got on with it, you did it!" Speaking to Claudia Winkleman after the dance, a deflated Will admitted that his "mind went completely blank" but pointed out that this is live TV.

Will Mellor set the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor on fire last week when he and fellow contestant Hamza Yassin came joint top of the leaderboard for the first live show of the series. And this weekend, the Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps actor will be looking to wow the four judges once again as he gets set to test his Salsa skills alongside Strictly pro Nancy Xu.

We’ve been captivated by his sexy moves and jokey manner – but Will Mellor admits he wouldn’t be on the show if he hadn’t developed a new perspective on life after losing his beloved dad. The star, who shot to fame in Hollyoaks, has referred to his dad Bill as his “hero” and says he was left “crippled” when he died just two weeks after being diagnosed with cancer during the pandemic. But while Will, 46, says it was a “horrible time”, it has taught him he should be “grabbing opportunities and making memories”.

Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left delighted as the show has brought back one of their 'favourite' things about the series. The hit BBC One show returned to screens last Friday with the much-anticipated launch show.

Hollyoaks actor Will Mellor and dancer Nancy Xu gave an electric performance as they jived to Livin’ La Vida Loca by Ricky Martin on the first live show of Strictly Come Dancing 2022. The Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps star, 46, impressed judges Motsi Mabuse, 41, and Shirley Ballas, 62, so much that they gave him a standing ovation and a score of 34, leaving dancer Nancy, 31, in tears.

Strictly Come Dancing's James Bye has revealed his delight that he has been partnered up with Amy Dowden for his time on the show.The EastEnders actor, 38, has admitted that Amy is one of his favourite professionals and that he was "blown away" at the reveal. James told OK! and other press: "I was really shocked they gave me Amy, I view Amy, for me, watching the show...

Strictly Come Dancing is back and one of its new celebrity stars has had fans of the show talking about more than just his new dance partner. As actor Will Mellor, 46, best known for his role as Gaz Wilkinson in the hit show Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, sat down with Strictly host Claudia Winkleman, as he spoke about his new dance partner Nancy Xu. Viewers were zoning in on a little more than his dance partner, though, as his "snug" trousers had people taking to Twitter to comment.