Will Mellor says Mr Bates vs The Post Office 'had the biggest impact of anything on TV in the past 30 years'
Will Mellor has had a busy 12 months with a starring role one of the most talked-about TV shows of the year, and a busy UK tour with his former Two Pints star and best friend Ralf Little. The former Hollyoaks actor starred in ITV's Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which scooped the Impact Award and Best Drama Award at this year's National Television Awards.
In this exclusive chat with OK!, dad of two Will, who has teamed up with Smart Energy GB for a campaign with his kids, says the show was probably the highlight of his career, and something he'll treasure forever. And with the Strictly final just days away, he also tells us about his biggest highs and lows when he took part in the series two year ago with Nancy Xu, finishing fifth - and who he wants to lift the glitterball this year.
You were back on tour with Ralf Little this year. How was it? What was the reaction like?
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The whole cast did an amazing job, and everyone on the tour brought such energy. Our goal was really to give people a great night out, to put smiles on faces and help people escape their worries - even if just for an hour and a half. Judging by the reactions, I think we achieved that. People loved it, and we’re already looking forward to more next year with another tour planned. It’s all about entertaining people and giving them a fantastic time.
How have you both changed since your Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps days? Are you planning more shows?
It has gone better than we could have ever imagined. In the four weeks leading up to filming with Ralph, I actually learned more about him than I did in the 20 years before that. We had real conversations—just sitting in the car and talking. I learned why he is the way he is, why he's guarded, and what he's been through. He shared a lot with me, and I shared a lot with him. It's been amazing seeing how much it resonates with people.
They’re saying it touched a (good) nerve, inspired them to get out and try new things. It’s got plenty of laughs, but it also has those meaningful, heartfelt moments, some of which even surprised me. It’s been a natural journey for us, moving from the podcast to the tour and now onto our own TV show. I’m really proud of it, and Ralph and I work really well together. Hopefully, there’ll be more to come in the future.
Mr Bates vs The Post Office just won a number of NTAs, including the Impact Award - how does that feel? How does it rank in terms of work you're proud of - it was much more than ‘just’ a TV show wasn’t it?
Being nominated for the NTAs and winning two awards—especially the Impact Award and Best Drama—was incredible. Standing on that stage, receiving an award for a show I’m part of, was a truly memorable moment and something my family and I will never forget. Working on Mr Bates vs the Post Office has probably been the highlight of my career so far.
It’s not like any other show—it’s had the biggest impact of anything I’ve seen on TV in the past 30 years, not only because of the viewing figures but because it genuinely made a difference. The public’s response was overwhelming and inspiring. I’m incredibly proud to have been part of it, and could never have imagined just how much of an impact it would have.
Strictly Come Dancing is almost finished again for this year. You told us last time we spoke it was incredibly tough physically - does that feeling wear off? Do you forget about that when you watch it or do you have flashbacks?!
Watching it now, I catch myself critiquing like a judge: I notice if someone’s position isn’t right, or if a heel goes down when it should have been up. It feels like I’ve forgotten it all, but then watching, I realise I remember exactly what’s good and what’s not. All the training comes back—it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but also one of the most rewarding. There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of performing live in front of 10 million people.
When you get it right, you feel on top of the world. If you get it wrong, it’s devastating. That’s the thrill and pressure of live TV. I’d recommend it to anyone in the industry. You learn so much, meet incredible people, and create amazing memories for yourself and your family.
Putting yourself out there, doing things that scare you—that’s when you really feel alive. I’m so glad I did it, especially for my family, who could come and watch. Touring and dancing live in arenas full of thousands was surreal; where else would you get to do that?
Who are you excited to watch this year? Any top tips?
As for this season, Chris [McCausland] is just unbelievable. What he’s doing despite not being able to see is inspiring. Every time I watch him, I get goosebumps; those jumps and lifts are incredible. Of course, I’m supporting Nancy, but I’d love to see Chris go all the way, maybe even win! As for advice, I would say enjoy every moment. It’s a once in a lifetime experience and goes by so fast, but even today I still cherish the memories I made.
What are your plans for Christmas? Do you love it or hate it? What are your favourite family traditions?
Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year! I love the warmth of it—the lights, the music, and getting together with family. For me, Christmas traditions are all about spending quality time with loved ones. We usually kick things off by decorating the tree together, playing Christmas music, and enjoying a cosy family dinner. One of my favourite traditions is watching classic holiday movies by the fire—It’s a Wonderful Life and Home Alone are a must! And, of course, there's the big family meal, complete with everyone's favourite dishes, and exchanging gifts, which is always such a joy.
Tell us about the Smart Energy GB campaign and why you got involved?
I think we’re all aware of the rising energy prices and the impact it's having on many households. Like most families, we’ve noticed our monthly bills creeping up -especially during summer with the kids at home more which can be a concern. That’s why we partnered with Smart Energy GB to better understand where we could make small changes to our routine to be more energy efficient - all with the help of a smart meter to help us better monitor our energy usage.
Is it hard getting your kids to pay attention to things like switching off lights etc?!
It used to be, but if I’m honest they are better than me now. Before we had a smart meter they didn’t realise the impact that leaving lights on in empty rooms and devices on standby overnight can really add up. And since they love a sense of independence, they love how a smart meter is a tool that can help them make better decisions when it comes to their own energy usage.
Since seeing how much energy we’re using as a household, we’ve become more mindful as a family and it’s been great to see the kids actively turn appliances off at the mains, or unplug chargers overnight - and even remind me to at times. Saving energy here and there has made a huge difference in helping us feel more in control and reduce our household bills.
What are your biggest energy-saving tips in a busy household?
There’s all the small everyday things you can do that add up to make a big difference - doing our washing at a lower temperature and hanging it to dry definitely helps. In the summer months, we’ll hang our washing outside but now that we’re in autumn popping in on a drying rack somewhere that gets plenty of air works just as well.
We’ve started using the airfryer more when cooking big family meals as it’s more energy efficient, plus batch cooking and keeping any leftovers is a great way to reduce energy consumption in the kitchen. But for us, getting a smart meter installed has to be my favourite tip. It’s helped the kids be more aware of the energy they are using by being able to monitor usage in near real-time, it’s given us a better understanding as a family, and has encouraged us to take steps to be more energy efficient.
Are there things you remember as a kid that you do now (e.g. ‘close the door, you weren’t born in a barn!’)?
As a kid, the same with my children, you don’t really have a care in the world - leaving doors open, TV on and lights on even when you’re not there. Now I pay the bills, I understand why my dad was so bothered about turning lights off, closing doors to keep the heat in etc. You don’t really realise how much things cost as a kid. I suppose, now I do!
My dad used to walk in and say “It’s like the Blackpool illuminations in here”, “who left the door open?!” and now I find myself saying the same things to my kids now that I’m a parent, and paying the bills, I’m the one running around the house switching off every light, closing every window!
Smart Energy GB has teamed up with actor Will Mellor and his children Jayden and Renee to show households how switching to a smart meter can help families keep track of their energy usage. Find out more at www.smartenergygb.org
