The BBC has revealed that EastEndersstar Lacey Turner will be competing in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Turner, best known for her role as Stacey Slater in the longrunning BBC soap, has won multiple awards during her time on the show while also appearing in stage productions and TV dramas, including the lead role in BBC series Our Girl.
The news was confirmed on Strictly social channels, with further announcements to take place ahead of the new season’s launch in September this year.
Turner is best known for her role as Stacey Slater on ‘EastEnders’ (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Turner said in a statement: “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!”
The casting announcement comes earlier than expected, as last year’s lineup wasn’t unveiled until August. However, the professional dancers set to participate in the 2026 series have already been revealed – with five former stars leaving the series outright.
Lacey Turner as Molly Dawes in the BBC series ‘Our Girl’ (BBC)
Professional dancer Johannes Radebe, meanwhile, has been promoted to one of three new hosts, alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe.
Turner was reported to be on the lineup last week, along with other rumoured contestants such as former Love Island winner Dani Dyer, daughter of actor Danny Dyer, who was forced to pull out of last year’s series after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals. She was replaced by musical theatre star Amber Davies.
Other rumoured contestants include Australian singer Delta Goodrem, whose appearance is, according to The Daily Mail, “a done deal”, while food critic Tom Parker-Bowles – who was hotly tipped for last year’s series – is believed to be on producers’ wish list.
The show’s four judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke – will all return for the new iteration of Strictly following the departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
More to follow…
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