EastEnders Icon Lacey Turner Set to Dazzle on Strictly Come Dancing Stage

EastEnders actress Lacey Turner is reportedly set to join the next season of Strictly Come Dancing.

The 38-year-old, known for her role as Stacey Slater on the beloved BBC soap, is currently on an extended hiatus from the show. She plans to use this break to focus on training for the popular dance competition, which is slated to kick off in September.

Lacey is reportedly eager to dive into the world of dance, and BBC producers are thrilled for viewers to see a new side of her outside of her EastEnders character.

According to a TV insider who spoke with The Sun, “Strictly bosses are thrilled to have Lacey on board, given her massive fan following from her time on EastEnders.”

The source added, “She’s incredibly down-to-earth, and audiences will be keen to discover her real personality beyond Albert Square.”

‘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.’

EastEnders star Lacey Turner has reportedly signed up to star on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing; pictured 2023

The actress, 38, is currently on an extended break from playing her character Stacey Slater in the soap and is keen to use her time to train for the BBC competition; pictured 2025

 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.’

The Daily Mail has contacted Lacey and BBC representatives for comment. 

It comes days after Denise Welch ‘dropped a huge hint that she’s in talks for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing’.

The 2026 celebrity line-up is yet to be announced following the BBC’s major shake-up of the hit show.

But as speculation continues to grow over who will compete in the new series, Denise was put on the spot while discussing whether she is securing a spot on the show this year.

When asked if she was in talks with Strictly, she told The Sun: ‘I’m pleading the fifth on that one. Bye!’

Strictly often casts people from the ITV talk show Loose Women, including past contestants like Kaye Adams, Ruth Langsford, and Judi Love.

Even though Denise has hinted she may take part in a reality show, she also insisted that her focus remains on acting, with several upcoming projects in the pipeline. 

‘It’s all exciting,’ she added. 

The Daily Mail has contacted Denise’s reps for further comment. 

Earlier this month, presenter Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe were announced as the new Strictly hosts

Earlier this month, presenter Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe were announced as the new hosts.

The unlikely trio will take over from outgoing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after they stepped down at the end of last year, following a rigorous audition process.

The news was confirmed on Strictly’s official Instagram page, with the trio coming together.

The caption read: ‘It’s official….September 2026.’

In the video, Emma and Johannes kissed each other on the cheek as they sat on stools, before Josh was invited over to join them.

‘It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend,’ said Emma of her new role.

‘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.’

She added: ‘I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!’

Josh, who is a fan of the show and competed as a contestant on the 2024 Christmas special, said he was ‘giddy with excitement’ to have won a presenting slot.

‘Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television,’ he said.

‘I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume.’

Johannes said that being given the opportunity to host was ‘beyond anything I ever imagined’.

He said the long-running show ‘has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness’, and he feels ‘deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward’.

He added: ‘To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I’m ready-sequins, nerves, and all…please bear with me.’