Strictly Come Dancing have announced Lacey Turner as they first 2026 contestant of 2026.
The EastEnders star, 38, is currently on an extended break from playing her iconic character Stacey Slater in the soap and is keen to use her time to train for the BBC competition, which will start in September.
The news was officially revealed on Wednesday on Instagram, which is early for the BBC show but producers have teased more stars will be announced over the summer.
Lacey gushed she is ‘excited’ to take part in the competition, which will return to screens in September, and can’t wait to ‘learn a new skill’.
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!’
Back in 2017, Lacey revealed she had turned down an offer from Strictly and admitted she didn’t ‘have the guts’ to do it.
She said at the time: ‘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.’
Strictly Come Dancing have announced Lacey Turner as they first contestant of 2026
The EastEnders star, 38, is currently on an extended break from playing her iconic character Stacey Slater in the soap and is keen to use her time to train for the BBC competition
