It was a dream come true for Southampton's Strictly bride-to-be.

Daily Echo reporter Melanie Adams got the shock of her life when she was swept off her feet by dance hero Anton Du Beke.

The Strictly Come Dancing professional paid Melanie a surprise visit as she continued to train ahead of her wedding day, in December.

Along with her fiancé, Daily Echo sports reporter Gordon Simpson, Melanie is being taught how to dance by another of the hit BBC show’s biggest stars, Natalie Lowe.

In order to help them perfect the routine she has choreographed for them, Natalie secretly enlisted the help of Strictly’s very own King of the Ballroom to offer a few pointers.

Viewers of Strictly – It Takes Two watched last night as the couple from West End were blindfolded ahead of Anton’s arrival.

However, even without the use of her eyes, all it took was a simple “hello” for Melanie to know whose the mystery voice was.

Melanie, who has a picture of Anton hanging above her bed, appeared live with Gordon and Natalie on the BBC2 show hosted by Zoe Ball last night.

The delighted 30-year-old said: “I think it’s safe to say I’m quite a big fan of Anton.

“I would definitely say that tonight has been a dream come true.”

Dressed in his usual smart attire, Anton watched the lucky couple dance before assisting them with the rise and fall of their waltz steps, as well as helping them get to grips with their big lift at the end of their cha cha cha routine.

Anton said: “They are doing tremendously well. They are pulling it off and it is really lovely.”

TV STARS: Melanie Adams and Gordon Sitting beside the happy couple in front of the television cameras last night, Natalie said: “Obviously having these guys this year has been a god-send.

“You guys have genuinely been the loveliest and most hard working people I have ever worked with before and I’m very grateful.

Strictly – It Takes Two airs on BBC2 at 6.30pm weeknights. You can watch the latest episode featuring Gordon and Mel on the BBC iPlayer.