The Strictly Come Dancing star refuses to stay silent after being branded an “absolute traitor” over a family advert 

Will Mellor, beloved TV actor and Strictly Come Dancing star, has had enough of online hate after a vile troll attacked him over a holiday advert featuring his family. The troll targeted the 46-year-old actor on X, calling him an “absolute TRAITOR” for appearing in a Solmar Villas campaign alongside his wife Michelle McSween, 46, and their children, Renee, 17, and Jayden, 21.

The message read: “I’ve just seen your holiday advert. You absolute TRAITOR!” Mellor fired back immediately: “Why am I a traitor?!?” The troll persisted, writing: “OK, Will. British TV likes to give out the idea that mixed relationships are the norm. They’re not. You fell into it though. Personally, I would have refused to help…”

Mellor didn’t hold back: “It’s my f***ing wife and children in the advert!!!??? What are you talking about!???”

Sharing the exchange on Instagram, Will addressed the shocking abuse, expressing disbelief that such hatred still exists in 2026. “I try not to respond to a lot of this I get on social media but is this just 1 of many messages I get! How sad is it that we are in 2026 and we are still having to deal with this S**T!!!”

Fans and colleagues quickly rallied behind the actor. Solmar Villas commented: “So proud to have you and your amazing family in our ad, Will.” Singer Fleur East added: “So stupid!!! And outrageous!! It’s mad that this still goes on. When will it end?”

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Will and Michelle, who first met in 1999 while starring together in the stage musical Oh, What a Night, have remained one of showbiz’s most loved couples.

The actor recently reflected on other personal challenges, including a hilariously awkward experience during Will & Ralf Should Know Better, when he and co-star Ralf Little were asked to strip on stage alongside the Dreamboys. “It was daunting,” Mellor admitted. “I didn’t know they got their willies out! I thought what a f***ing mistake inviting my wife!” Despite his nerves, he added, “I was glad to do it… that adrenaline rush at the end of it — that’s when you feel alive.”

Will has also bravely tested himself on the dance floor, competing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022. Reflecting on his motivation, he revealed it was deeply personal: “They asked me all the time and I’d always said no. But then I lost my dad and my brain just went, ‘What are you doing, saying no because of other people’s opinions?’ My mum loved Strictly and she’d had a really tough time losing my dad, so I just went with it.”

For Mellor, whether facing trolls, testing himself on stage, or navigating public life with his family, one thing is clear — he refuses to let hate silence him.