Strictly’s Will Mellor says tough feedback from the judges feels like a ‘kick in the teeth’

Strictly star Will Mellor admits receiving harsh feedback from the judging panel feels like a ‘kick in the teeth’ after Craig Revel Horwood sorted out his routine on Saturday night.

The 46-year-old actor told MailOnline that he is “harshly criticized” and “disappointed” by the judges’ comments after dancing the notoriously difficult rumba with professional partner Nancy Xu, 31, on Ed Sheeran’s song, The Joker. and the Queen.

In an exclusive interview, Will revealed that he was previously too “scared” to sign up for Strictly, after being approached by bosses for years, because he was “tired” of the impact the show would have on his two teenage children. Jayden, 18, and Renée, 14, who he shares with dancer wife Michelle.

After the tragic loss of his father, who passed away two weeks after being diagnosed with cancer in 2020, Will’s perspective changed and now he confesses that he enjoys the Strictly experience more than he could ever have predicted.

‘It wasn’t easy to accept’: The actor told MailOnline he’s been ‘harshly criticized’ and was ‘disappointed’ by the judges’ comments after dancing the notoriously difficult rumba

Will said, “I find it hard to be criticized by the judges. I find it difficult as a person to take criticism.

“Some people can take it, but I find it hard to hide my emotions. You know how I feel, and I can’t help it.

“I was disappointed by the judges’ comments because I really tried my best, but we’re here to be judged, so I’ll have to take the rough with the smooth.

“I got some good reactions in weeks one and two and then I was second at the bottom of the standings and it wasn’t easy to take, mainly because I wasn’t feeling well and feeling sorry for myself.

‘I’m enjoying the journey’: After the tragic loss of his father, who passed away two weeks after being diagnosed with cancer in 2020, Will’s perspective changed and he now admits that he enjoys the Strict experience more than ever predicted

“When you do it right, that’s the best feeling in the world because all your emotions come out, your nerves, it’s a sense of achievement when you’re ready and doing it right.

“Besides, if you do it and go through all that effort and get negative comments, it can be a bit of a kick in the teeth, but that’s part of it and I have to get used to it.”

On Saturday night, Craig, 57, criticized Will’s rendition of the rumba for lacking leg and hip action, which he believes is crucial to the dance, while Anton Du Beke, 56, said there were some technical issues with the performance of the rumba. couple.

But the panel praised Will’s acting ability, with his sentiment and stories earning him top ratings in recent weeks.

Will added: “It’s tough and exhausting, and you put yourself on live TV every week, but I’m enjoying the journey and I really want to see how far I can go.

‘We’re doing it as a family’: Will revealed he was previously too ‘scared’ to sign up for Strictly because he was ‘tired’ of the impact the show would have on his two teenage children, Jayden and Renée

“I’m enjoying it more than I thought. I thought I would find it very hard, but I am amazed and I want to see how far I can go.

“Since my father passed away, my mindset has changed and I thought that life – you have to grab it and I don’t want to waste time on things I’m not passionate about.

“That’s why when Strictly came along I said yes because I was a little afraid of it, but then you test yourself and you have to take life and that’s what I want to do from now on.”

Before taking on the Strictly challenge, Will confided in his family and sought approval from his wife Michelle, who is a professional dancer and has performed with the likes of Destiny’s Child, Robbie Williams and Craig David.

He said: ‘I spoke to my family when they asked me to do it – they’ve been asking me to do it for a long time and I’ve always said no because I was always a little tired of doing it. I was afraid of it.

“I was always a little tired of doing any kind of reality show. My mindset changed and I thought I would say yes to more things and seize life and opportunities.

“When I was thinking about doing it, I talked to my wife and my kids, and I said I’m thinking about doing this, but it concerns all of us because it’s a journey that we’re all on together.

“My daughter was influenced by people at school by people who mentioned it and my wife, who is an ex-dancer herself, knew she would get it if I did. But we do it as family and they are behind me.”

Support: Before taking on the Strictly Challenge, Will sought approval from his wife Michelle, who is a professional dancer and has performed with the likes of Destiny’s Child, Robbie Williams and Craig David

Memories: Will attended the London premiere of the new film Black Adam, starring Dwayne Johnson, with his 18-year-old son Jayden on Thursday night.

Will, who co-starred with Sheridan Smith in the BBC Three sitcom Two Pints ​​of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, says he’s open to the comedy’s return and insists fans still want to see where his character Gaz ends up. has come.

However, Will’s dream is to remain himself on TV and after filming the new series The World’s Most Dangerous Roads with Keith Lemon, the former Hollyoaks actor is eager to run his own travel show.

He said, ‘We did offer it. Susan Nickson the original writer came up with another series called Two Pints ​​Last Orders and it was the characters Gaz and Jonny now in their forties and how have they changed are they still talking crap in the pub and are the kids grew up and it was a really funny script.

“The BBC said they didn’t want to watch it again and that was up to them, but the fans really want it. I don’t know what’s next. I kinda fly by the seat of my pants with what’s going on.

‘I enjoy being myself. I plan to do my own travel show. There’s a series coming out with Keith Lemon called ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Roads’ and we’re going to Albania, and we’re driving around there in a jeep, it’s hilariously funny but a good trip.

‘I would like to do that more and travel. I want to get my own shows off the ground and do things I’ve always wanted to do.”

Will has partnered with James Villas Holidays, who have learned through research that children are the new jet-setters, after 67 percent of parents say their kids are better off traveling than they are at the same age.

And Will’s two kids are no different as the star says he prioritizes family time and taking a break with his wife and kids is something he looks forward to the most.

He said, “When my kids were younger, I always wanted to get away with them and give them experiences and it helps build them up.

“I love to get away from it all and create new memories. I feel guilty when I’m somewhere without my kids. I want to be wherever there are.

“Every time we book a vacation, I try to go somewhere else so we can have a new adventure and stay somewhere else. We always tend to get villas and with James Villas doing this research it shows how important vacations are for families and creating memories.”

The survey, conducted by Atomik Research, also found that of the 2,000 parents surveyed, two-thirds of people would pay to take their children on vacation well into their 20s.

Will added: “You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have quality time together.

“Holidays are so important to get away from it all, create memories and have something to look forward to, especially when those winter months begin. You should book a vacation and get out and about.’