Northern actors Will Mellor and Kym Marsh are the first two names to be announced as contestants on Strictly Come Dancing 2022.
It may only be the first few days of August, but the BBC has this morning unveiled the first two celebrities who will be dusting off their dancing shoes and stepping into the ballroom for the 2022 series of long-running reality dance competition show, Strictly Come Dancing.
The show is set to return for its 20th series this autumn, and is promising to once again bring “glitter, glamour, and glorious dancing” to homes across the nation.
Stockport-born actor Will Mellor, who is best known for his role on the cult BBC sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, as well as in Hollyoaks, Line of Duty, No Offence, and Broadchurch, and as Harvey Gaskell on Manchester-based ITV soap Coronation Street, was the first name to be unveiled.
“I’m honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year,” Will said.
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“Not going to lie, it’s totally out of my comfort zone.
“I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about, and this is also my Mum’s favourite show, and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well.”
Joining Will is another fellow Northern actor, singer, and television presenter, and a well-known name to most Mancs – Kym Marsh.
A mainstay on our TV screens for nearly 20 years, Kym is famous for her role of Michelle Connor in Coronation Street – for which she won ‘Best Newcomer’ at both the National Television Awards and British Soap Awards – but also for having a successful music career in the 90s and 00s, both in the band Hear’Say, and as a solo artist.
She's an actress, singer, presenter and now soon to be #Strictly dancer! Say hello to Kym Marsh 💃🏻
The Merseyside-born actor is currently a presenter on BBC One’s Morning Live, and is soon set to star in the revival of BBC One drama Waterloo Road.
“I’ve considered doing Strictly for years, but the timings never worked out,” Kym said.
“I’m so delighted that this year they have.
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“I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress – it’s unreal.”
Strictly Come Dancing is set to return on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the autumn, and the remaining celebrity contestants joining the new series will be announced in due course, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – BBC Press
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You can now have a private sleepover amongst all the history inside Manchester Museum
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Museum is now offering one lucky family the chance to have a sleepover with Stan the Tyrannosaurus rex.
For the first time in Manchester Museum’s history, one lucky family will be given the chance to experience an incredible night at the museum.
This unique opportunity is being offered as part of a prize draw, allowing visitors to find out what happens once the sun goes down inside the Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery – in the company of Stan, the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, of course.
The Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery is one of the most iconic spaces within Manchester Museum.
Having opened to the public all the way back in 1888, it’s part of the museum’s original building designed by celebrated Alfred Waterhouse, who also designed Manchester Town Hall and London’s Natural History Museum.
Not only will the lucky winning family enjoy an overnight stay in the gallery, but they’ll also be treated to a guided torchlight tour of the galleries after the Museum has closed, as well as other fun activities and a film screening too before bed.
You can now have a private sleepover inside Manchester Museum / Credit: The Manc Group
“We can’t be completely sure what happens when the sun goes down in our Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery, because nobody has ever spent the night in there before, but we can only imagine the kind of fun that can be had with Stan the T. rex and his friends,” said Dean Whiteside, Head of Commercial and Operations at Manchester Museum.
“This is a chance to be a part of museum history and enjoy the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience you can’t usually buy.
“At the same time, Manchester Museum is a charity so, by getting behind this initiative, you’ll be helping to support vital work that impacts the lives of people across Greater Manchester and beyond.”
Fancy it then? You can enter the prize draw by buying a ticket for £5 from the Manchester Museum Shop, with each ticket counting as one entry and the winner set to be chosen at random from all valid entries.
The prize draw is now open and closes on Monday 28 September 2026.
Featured Image – Supplied
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A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Emily Sergeant -
4th August 2022 
