TWO Pints and a Packet of Crisps star Will Mellor has been named as the first contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2022.

The actor has strong links to Runcorn as the popular sitcom – which started more than 20 years ago - was filmed in Runcorn.

The news was announced on BBC Breakfast this morning.

Will, also known for appearing on Hollyoaks, Casualty and Coronation Street, said he was ‘honestly so chuffed’ to be participating in this year’s dance show.

"It's getting a bit frightening now,” Will told BBC Breakfast.

Asked if he could dance well, he replied: "It depends what you call well. I dance in the kitchen or at parties like anybody does, but nothing at all like I'm doing here, I'm way out of my comfort zone."

He explained: "My mindset completely changed a while back, and I just thought, I've got to start doing things that frighten me.

"I lost my dad in 2020 and from then I just thought, I've just got to grab life. I've got to create new memories."

Warrington’s Kym Marsh has been announced as the second contestant in this year’s show which is returning to BBC one in September.

Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and head judge Shirley Ballas will all return to the Strictly judging panel this year.

They will be joined once again by Anton Du Beke, who has now permanently taken over from Bruno Tonioli.