EastEnders star Lacey Turner announced as first celebrity to join Strictly

Lacey Turner smiling while posing for photos at a red carpet event

placeholder image — Lacey Turner smiling while posing for photos at a red carpet event

The 38-year-old will be among the stars taking to the ballroom floor later this year.

EastEnders star Lacey Turner has been announced as the first contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2026.

The 38-year-old, best known for her long-running role as Stacey Slater on the BBC soap, will be among the stars taking to the ballroom floor later this year to compete for the coveted Glitterball trophy.

The actress 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.”

She later said in a video message: “I am 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.”

The Edgware-born actress is also known for appearing on the BBC One drama True Love and in Call The Midwife, and she starred as Molly Dawes in the military drama Our Girl.

During her time on EastEnders, Turner’s storylines have included Stacey’s struggles in the aftermath of sexual assault, with bipolar disorder and an affair with father-in-law Max Branning.

Her involvement in Strictly was announced on the BBC dancing competition’s Instagram page with a caption reading: “Here we go, first celebrity of 2026… it’s Lacey Turner. We can’t wait to see you on the dancefloor.”

The post was flooded with comments including from Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers Amy Dowden and Alexis Warr, as well as judge Motsi Mabuse.

Professional dancer and Strictly 2024 winner Dianne Buswell said: “Christmas has come early! Welcome Lacey.”

The news comes weeks after the new hosts to replace Tess Daley and Claudia Winkleman were revealed, with broadcaster Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe presiding over the ballroom for the upcoming series.