Sequins, spotlights, and a touch of soap opera drama—Strictly Come Dancing is set for a dazzling return this September, and it’s already making headlines months before its first glitterball spins. The BBC confirmed on June 10, 2026, that Lacey Turner, beloved for her role as Stacey Slater on EastEnders, will be the first celebrity contestant for the upcoming series. This early announcement has sent ripples of excitement through the show’s devoted fanbase and the British entertainment industry alike.
Turner, 38, is no stranger to the limelight. She’s been a fixture on EastEnders since 2004, collecting a British Soap Award and a National Television Award along the way. Her acting resume also includes a lead role in the BBC drama Our Girl and appearances in various stage productions. But for Turner, the dance floor is uncharted territory—and she couldn’t be more thrilled (or nervous) about it.
“I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing!” she exclaimed in a BBC statement. “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 a candid Instagram video, Turner admitted, “I’m so excited and so terrified at the same time… I’ve had so many friends do Strictly, and I thought it was about time that I pluck up the courage and made my way on to the dance floor.” Her honesty struck a chord with fans who have followed her journey from the bustling streets of Albert Square to the glitzy world of reality TV.
This year’s Strictly is already breaking with tradition. The celebrity line-up is usually kept under wraps until August, but the BBC decided to reveal Turner’s participation in early June, with more names set to roll out over the summer. While the corporation hasn’t explained the change in schedule, anticipation is building as viewers await further contestant reveals ahead of the September launch.
Head judge Shirley Ballas, speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain just before Turner’s announcement, teased, “There are going to be some people on there that will make you go ‘wow’.” Ballas, along with returning judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke, expressed excitement about this year’s “extraordinary” new elements, which include not just fresh faces among the celebrities and pros, but also a shake-up in the show’s hosting lineup.
For the first time, Strictly will be fronted by a trio: Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and professional dancer Johannes Radebe. Their chemistry, according to BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips, is “undeniable.” The trio steps in following the departure of longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who bowed out in October 2025 after years at the helm. Willis, known for her stints on Big Brother and Love Is Blind UK, acknowledged the legacy left by her predecessors, saying, “It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind—two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter.”
Comedian Josh Widdicombe, sharing his excitement on Instagram, called the new line-up “off to a flyer!” while professional dancers and judges chimed in with their own warm welcomes. Dianne Buswell gushed, “Christmas has come early! Welcome Lacey,” and Neil Jones wrote, “Wow how exciting is this.” Judge Motsi Mabuse added, “Welcome Lacey Turner, let’s rock and roll.” Clearly, Turner’s arrival is cause for celebration both on and off the dance floor.
Turner’s personal life has also been in the spotlight, especially since she announced an indefinite hiatus from EastEnders in May 2025. Her character, Stacey Slater, made a dramatic exit to Brazil with her children Arthur and Hope, while eldest daughter Lily and granddaughter Charli remained in Watford. The break, Turner’s first in 21 years on the soap, allowed her to focus on her family—she shares three children, Dusty (6), Trilby (5), and Gibsy Olive (1), with husband Matt Kay, whom she married in 2017.
Speaking to OK! Magazine, Turner reflected on the challenges of balancing motherhood and a demanding career: “The older they get the more you realise how quickly the little years pass. You feel guilty for leaving them, but also guilty for not earning. It’s just never-ending. We’re all just trying our best. And whatever your best looks like, that is enough. Right now, I’m just soaking up the baby cuddles and focusing on family life. But I do miss the chaos of the Square and my work family.”
Her journey to Strictly has been cheered on by friends who’ve previously competed, and her willingness to step out of her comfort zone has resonated with viewers. As she put it, “I thought it was about time that I pluck up the courage and made my way on to the dance floor.”
Strictly’s 2026 season will also see the return of professional dancers Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Katya Jones, Vito Coppola, and Aljaz Skorjanec. However, there’s been a changing of the guard behind the scenes, with five former pros leaving the series outright. Rumors are swirling about other celebrity contestants, including former Love Island winner Dani Dyer, Australian singer Delta Goodrem, and food critic Tom Parker-Bowles, though none have been officially confirmed by the BBC.
Zoe Ball, a familiar face to Strictly fans, revealed she had screen-tested for the new hosting gig but wasn’t selected. She took the news in stride, saying, “No, I didn’t get it, but I tell you, what, if who I think has got it, we’re in safe hands and our new hosts are going to be fabulous. I’m so thrilled for them, and hopefully at a later date, we’ll be able to talk about them in more detail.”
As the countdown to September begins, Strictly’s new era promises both continuity and fresh excitement. The judges’ panel remains intact, the professional dancers are ready to dazzle, and with Lacey Turner leading the celebrity charge, fans can expect a series brimming with heart, talent, and a few surprises along the way. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, it’s hard not to get swept up in the anticipation—after all, who doesn’t love a bit of ballroom magic?
With its blend of familiar faces and bold new choices, Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about seasons yet. And with Lacey Turner trading the Square for sequins, all eyes will be on the dance floor come September.