EastEnders legend Lacey Turner has been announced as the first celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2026, marking the beginning of a new era for the beloved dance competition.
A New Chapter for Strictly
The announcement comes just over a month after the confirmation of new hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe, who will take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Turner, best known for her role as Stacey Slater on the BBC soap, expressed her disbelief and excitement at joining the show.
"I am so excited to be making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing!" she said. "I am a huge fan and can't quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!"
Mixed Emotions
In a video posted to the official Strictly Instagram page, Turner admitted to feeling both "so excited" and "so terrified" simultaneously. "This September, I will be taking my little toes onto the dance floor to do Strictly Come Dancing," she said. "I can't believe it. I'm so excited and so terrified at the same time, but I've had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plucked up the courage and made my way onto that dancefloor."
Fans have reacted enthusiastically to the news, with some drawing humorous comparisons to football superstars. One fan wrote: "Btw for non-soap viewers this is basically like signing Ronaldo." Another added: "MY DREAM COME TRUE!!"
Returning Judges
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in September, featuring the new presenting lineup alongside returning judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and head judge Shirley Ballas, who will all be back to critique every dance.
