Will Mellor says Strictly Come Dancing has helped him and his mum cope with their grief

12.12.2022 - 02:25 / dailyrecord.co.uk

While every contestant is excited to be in the Strictly Come Dancing semi-finals, it is extra special for Will Mellor and his family.

The Coronation Street star is determined to bring home the Glitterball trophy, not just for himself but for his mum Shirley after his beloved dad Bill died in 2020. During his stint on the BBC ballroom dancing show, Will has openly said that taking part in Strictly has given him and his mum something positive to focus on during the tough time.

“Losing my dad was very tough,” he said, “but we’ve created some great new memories. We’ve turned a negative into some positives.”

Will, 43, who plays Harvey Gaskell on the ITV soap, said that even if he doesn't take home the trophy next weekend he is thankful to the show, reports the Mirror.

He said: “My mind often tells me I can’t do something. It has stopped me from doing things like Strictly for a long time because I’ve always worried about what people would say and listened to people who said it would damage my acting career.

“But losing my dad has changed all that. Life is for living – it isn’t a rehearsal. You only have one life and you need to live it to the max.

“Strictly is the most I have been tested, both mentally and physically. The pressure is unbelievable. It is terrifying, but it is also exhilarating when you accomplish things – and now I have the bug to accomplish lots of things.”

Ahead of Sunday's semi-final, Will opened up about how much winning alongside professional partner, Nancy Xu, would mean to him. “I am dreaming of winning the show so I can give my mum the trophy and put it on her mantelpiece,” he said.

“Strictly has been huge, not just for me but for her too. It fills her day and gives her something to look forward to. She