After his daughter suffered in school as a young child, Will Mellor has revealed that he believes his daughter has “inherited” his dyslexia.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star, 48, who is a proud dad to daughter Renée, 17, has opened up about his past struggles with the learning disability that affects how people read, write, and spell. The Coronation Street actor’s portrayal of the condition has improved since he was a child in school, in light of recent developments.
Speaking to Ryan Tubridy on Virgin Radio UK about his own dyslexia, Will said: “I was kicked out of all my lessons. Instead of causing a disruption, I was advised to wear headphones and sit back in the class. Since I was a young child, I had always wanted to perform, so reading and other things like that and having to concentrate on things like that made it difficult for me.
They would instead of working with you and figure out how you learn today… But now looking back, I thought, nah, that’s not good really, because I wasn’t a bad kid. They simply had no idea how to guide me, and the way I learned was different from what I did because I only had energy. Because my daughter has been diagnosed, she now has a different method of learning. I believe that what you possess is hereditary and passed down. My dad struggled at school. I’m fortunate that my career has succeeded in what it has accomplished and that I was able to put my energy [into something]” into it.
It comes after Will recently revealed what inspired him to enter Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 despite repeatedly declining to do so. Before being eliminated just before the semi-finals, Will and Nancy Xu teamed up in the ballroom to win the audience over with their moves. The Corrie alum shared that despite initially being opposed to dancing in front of the entire country for the BBC, his dad’s passing in April 2020 taught him to put his worries aside and try something new.
Speaking to the Mirror, Will explained:” Ever since my dad passed away, I said to myself – and to anybody else who would listen – I’m going to do things that I want to do in my life. I must live, I must savor life, and must make the most of it. And that means testing yourself, and putting yourself in positions – I mean, that was where Strictly came from.
“I always said no to Strictly, but I thought, ‘ Why am I saying no, because I’m frightened of what people think? ‘ Do something where you’re a bit vulnerable, and that’s when you come out the other side and you learn something”. The Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps actor teasingly added: “In the end, all you’re left with is memories. So go and make some! And that’s what I want to do with both my life and my career, so who knows where I’ll end up next?
Will continued to carry his beloved dad with him wherever he went after Bill’s passing, changing his perspective. Explaining his subtle tribute at the time, Will shared: “I wear his ring every day for every performance. Before I move on to dance, I always have a brief moment with it. It means he’s with me”.
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