Strictly Come Dancing has officially kicked off, with the couples being revealed in one of the most unconventional but exciting ways yet.
Tonight, the series began with the launch show, revealing a first look at the 2026 cast on the dancefloor and the new presenters, Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.
Normally, audiences are used to watching pre-recorded VTs of the pro dancers surprising their celebrity partners, or the hosts announcing them one by one in the Strictly ballroom – but this time around, they all participated in a group dance, swapping partners until Emma confirmed who their partner was.
One of those pairings was EastEnders legend Lacey Turner and Strictly fan-favourite Vito Coppola, and fans couldn’t be happier about this link-up.
‘Lacey and Vito are already out ones to beat!’ Fabio tweeted.
Get personalised updates on Strictly
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
‘Yes Lacey and Vito fantastic,’ wrote Lenny, while Juls added: ‘LACEY AND VITO OMG I’M SO HAPPY.’
Sukiehas said that Lacey and Vito being partnered up ‘is the best thing that could’ve happened’.
Lacey was the first celebrity to be confirmed in the 2026 cast when the announcements began in June.
Reacting to the news, the Stacey Slater actress said at the time: ‘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!’
Other partners confirmed so far tonight have included Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin, who’ve made Strictly Come Dancing history as the first pairing to be coupled up twice, after Dani was forced to back out of the competition last year due to injury.
She was later replaced by Amber Davies, who finished as the joint runner-up with Nikita.
Gavin and Stacey star Melanie Walters has been partnered up with Strictly legend Aljaz Skorjanec, while Julian Caillon will compete with Dame Sarah Storey.
Carlos Gu also has his celebrity partner, prolific actress Jaime Winstone.
Follow Metro’s coverage for more Strictly updates!
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday night on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.