EastEnders icon Lacey Turner confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
EastEnders legend Lacey Turner will take to the dance floor on Strictly Come Dancing in September.
EastEnders icon Lacey Turner is the first contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026.
The 38-year-old actress - who plays Stacey Slater in the BBC soap - cannot wait to get her groove on when the corporation's Latin and Ballroom dance show returns in September.
She said: “I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing!
"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!"
In 2017, Lacey - who is currently on an extended break from EastEnders - revealed she rejected an approach from Strictly Come Dancing bosses, but admitted to have liked to learn a new skill.
The Our Girl alum said: "I have been asked to go on Strictly, but I’m rubbish at dancing and I don’t really have the guts.
"I think it’s a great show to do, though, as you learn a new skill."
On Wednesday (10.06.26), Shirley Ballas, Head Judge on Strictly Come Dancing, told how the show's bosses have picked an "extraordinary" line-up for the 2026 series.
Appearing on ITV's Good Morning Britain, the Queen of Latin, 65, kept tight-lipped about the cast after anchor Susanna Reid, 55, quizzed her about who is taking to the dance floor this year.
But Shirley teased: "It's quite extraordinary. There's going to be some people on there where you're going to go, 'Oh wow!'
"I can't tell you the names, obviously, but you know that the BBC always pick the incredible chemistry between all of the celebrities.
"So the whole thing, for me, is quite extraordinary; new dancers, new presenters.
"You should be way excited for this series, that I can assure."
Some other celebrities rumoured to be joining Lacey on Strictly Come Dancing are former Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn, 44, as well as Neighbours alum Delta Goodrem and This Morning's Josie Gibson, both 41.
Love Island's Dani Dyer, 29, is also reportedly getting another chance at doing the programme after she was forced to withdraw from the 2025 series due to an ankle injury.
Strictly Come Dancing will return in September with new hosts, Emma Willis, 50, Josh Widdicombe, 43, and 39-year-old Johannes Radebe - who had been a pro on the show since 2018 - as well as five new professional dancers.
