Two reporters due to get married later this year appeared on TV show Strictly Come Dancing as they received professional lessons for their first wedding dance.

Southern Daily Echo health reporter Melanie Adams and Saints reporter Gordon Simpson are set to tie the knot in December and have been given the chance to train with former dance champion Natalie Lowe.

They appeared on BBC2’s Strictly – It Takes Two programme on Tuesday evening as they met Natalie and took their first steps on the dance floor.

The Daily Echo journalists won the chance to be part of the show after Strictly bosses asked for couples getting married during the festive period, who wanted to learn to dance, to get in touch.

Gordon Simpson and Melanie Adams prepare for their first dance.

Melanie is a massive Strictly fan, sleeping with a photo of her and dancer Anton Du Beke above her bed, and immediately applied to take part.

In a story about their Strictly appearance, Melanie said: “I just can’t believe we are the lucky ones who have been chosen. It’s a dream come true for a Strictly-mad fan like me.

“I’ve been watching the show since it started but never did I believe I’d ever be part of it. It’s definitely going to make our big day extra special.”

The couple’s progress with Natalie as they prepare for their big day will be charted on the It Takes Two show.

Natalie, who suffered an injury before the start of the latest series of the TV show which forced her to pull out of the main competition, will choreograph their routine to ensure their first dance has the wow factor.

Melanie and Gordon, front, get support from some of their colleagues for their appearances on the show.