The BBC has announced the first star joining the line-up forStrictly Come Dancing 2026 is an EastEnders icon.
Typically, the cast is revealed closer to its return around August, so it came as a huge surprise when on Wednesday, the broadcaster confirmed that Lacey Turner will be strapping on her dancing shoes this autumn.
‘I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing!’ the Stacey Slater actress 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!’
Strictly will return with a brand new set of hosts, after Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly revealed during last year’s series that they would be stepping down.
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The Voice UK host Emma Willis, former Strictly pro Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe will be taking over, bringing a fresh new feel to the beloved show.
For people wondering when the next celebrities will be confirmed for the 2026 line-up, the BBC confirmed that further news ‘will be revealed throughout the summer ahead of the brand new series’, which will start in September.
Strictly fans were quick to share their excitement about Lacey joining the cast, with one Instagram user called Joe saying: ‘For non-soap viewers this is basically like signing Ronaldo.’
‘Wait celeb reveals announced early!?!? But also woooo Lacey gonna be amazing,’ Amardeep wrote.
‘Omg it’s so early how exciting!!’ Kirsty also commented.
Lacey is one of the most celebrated soap actors in Britain, having first played Stacey in EastEnders in 2004.
After leaving the BBC soap in 2010, she returned four years later, before leaving again last year.
Lacey has won 40 accolades for her performance as Stacey, including eight British Soap Awards, four National Television Awards and three TV Choice Awards.
Before it was officially confirmed that she was joining the Strictly cast, a TV source claimed that the bosses of the show were ‘delighted’ to snap her up.
‘She’s down to earth, and viewers will be excited to get to know her personality away from Albert Square,’ they told The Sun.
They added: ‘She has loved having some quality time off screen to focus on parenting, but feels like now is the perfect time to learn to dance and try something different before she reprises her role in EastEnders.’
More to follow.
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