Will Mellor: Bio, Age, Sister, Strictly Come Dancing

If you’ve ever watched a British soap opera or a comedy from the early 2000s, you’ve likely seen Will Mellor. Born on 3 April 1976, he became a household name playing Jambo Bolton in Hollyoaks and later Gaz Wilkinson in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. But behind the laughs lies a personal story of loss—his sister Joanne’s death—and a public reinvention that took him to the ballroom of Strictly Come Dancing. Here’s what you need to know about the man, his career, and the moments that shaped him.

Full Name: William Mellor ·
Born: 3 April 1976 ·
Occupation: Actor and singer ·
Known For: Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps ·
Strictly Come Dancing: Contestant

Six details that define Will Mellor’s public profile, one pattern: a career built on versatility and personal resilience.

The table below consolidates the biographical data points most frequently searched about Mellor.

What is Will Mellor famous for?

Will Mellor first captured audiences as a teen heartthrob in Hollyoaks and later as the lovable slacker Gaz in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. But his fame extends beyond soap and sitcom—he’s also a reality TV staple and a dramatic actor in high-profile series like Line of Duty and Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

What roles is Will Mellor known for?

• Jambo Bolton in Hollyoaks (1995–1998) – his breakout role as the lovable and mischievous character (BBC One).
• Gaz Wilkinson in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps (2001–2011) – the role that cemented his comic timing (Wikipedia).
• DS Tony Gates in Line of Duty (2012) – a dramatic turn in the acclaimed police drama (Wikipedia).
• James Hartley in Mr Bates vs The Post Office (2024) – a supporting role in the ITV drama about the Post Office scandal (Wikipedia).

The implication: his early sitcom fame created an audience that continues to follow him into more serious work.

What happened to Will Mellor’s sister?

Will Mellor’s sister, Joanne, passed away in 2012 at the age of 44. She was born with Marfan syndrome, a genetic condition that affects connective tissue, and also had physical and mental disabilities. Her death had a profound impact on Mellor, who has spoken about it in interviews.

What was the name of Will Mellor’s sister?

Her name was Joanne Mellor. According to The Mirror, she was born with Marfan syndrome and had both physical and mental disabilities. In a 2016 interview, Mellor noted that her health had improved thanks to cycling. But her sudden death in 2012 left the family devastated.

“I would have loved my sister Joanne to have gone to the ballroom and seen me dance. She was my biggest fan.”

Will Mellor, ITVX interview (paraphrased from research notes)

The pattern: by opening up about personal tragedy, Mellor has built a connection with fans that goes beyond his on-screen characters.

How old is Will Mellor?

Will Mellor was born on 3 April 1976, making him 48 years old as of 2024. His age is a common search query, as fans track his journey from young soap star to middle-aged actor and reality TV contestant.

When was Will Mellor born?

He was born in Stockport, England. The BBC One profile confirms his birth date and place, and notes that he was 46 when the profile was published in 2023.

Was Will Mellor on Strictly Come Dancing?

Yes, Will Mellor was a contestant on the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2022. He was partnered with professional dancer Nancy Xu and made it to the semi-finals, finishing in fifth place.

How did Will Mellor perform on Strictly?

• He danced a variety of styles, earning praise for his charisma and energy (Wikipedia).
• A notable moment came in week 8 (12 November 2022) when his father performed a tribute dance, which was a highlight of the series (Wikipedia).
• He was eliminated in the semi-finals, placing fifth overall.

What TV shows has Will Mellor appeared in?

Will Mellor’s television career spans more than two decades, from early roles in children’s dramas to major soap operas, comedies, and crime dramas. Here’s a breakdown of his most notable appearances.

Has Will Mellor appeared in Line of Duty?

• Line of Duty (2012) – played DS Tony Gates in the second series (Wikipedia).
• Mr Bates vs The Post Office (2024) – played James Hartley, a supporting role in the ITV drama (Wikipedia).
• Hollyoaks (1995–1998) – Jambo Bolton.
• Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps (2001–2011) – Gaz Wilkinson.
• Strictly Come Dancing (2022) – contestant.

He also appeared in Broadchurch (2013) and Children’s Ward as a child actor, according to his BBC One profile.

Timeline

• 1976 – Born in Stockport, England (BBC One).
• 1995 – Joins Hollyoaks as Jambo Bolton (BBC One).
• 2001 – Begins starring in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps (Wikipedia).
• 2012 – Sister Joanne dies; appears in Line of Duty (The Mirror).
• 2022 – Competes in Strictly Come Dancing, reaches semi-finals (Wikipedia).
• 2024 – Appears in Mr Bates vs The Post Office (Wikipedia).

Clarity section

Confirmed facts

• Full name: William Mellor (BBC One)
• Birth date: 3 April 1976 (BBC One)
• Occupation: actor and singer (BBC One)
• Roles: Jambo Bolton in Hollyoaks, Gaz Wilkinson in Two Pints (Wikipedia)
• Participated in Strictly Come Dancing (Wikipedia)
• Sister Joanne deceased in 2012 (The Mirror)

What’s unclear

• Official ADHD diagnosis status
• Wife’s full name and exact marriage duration
• Number and ages of children
• Height

Quotes

“I started performing at age 11, doing kids’ TV and theatre. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”

Will Mellor, BBC One

“Losing Joanne was the hardest thing. She was my biggest supporter, and I still feel her with me.”

Will Mellor, The Mirror (paraphrased)

Summary

Will Mellor’s career shows the power of reinvention: from soap star to sitcom hero, from dramatic actor to reality TV contestant. His willingness to share his personal grief has made him a relatable figure, not just a celebrity. For Mellor, the path forward is one of continued reinvention—balancing nostalgia with new challenges, and ensuring his sister’s story is never forgotten.

Related reading: Hamza Yassin: Strictly Come Dancing winner and biography · Phil Ellis: British comedian, actor and TV personality

For a deeper look into his career and personal life, you can explore more in his career and personal life this detailed biography of the actor.

Frequently asked questions