Strictly Come Dancing contestant Lacey Turner has described her recent Samba as "difficult" and "technical", following viewer concern over her absence from part of Saturday's live show.
The EastEnders actress, partnered with professional dancer Vito Coppola, performed a Samba to Bamboléo by Gipsy Kings in week three of the BBC contest. Judges Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse each awarded the routine 6 points, while Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke gave 7 points each, resulting in a total of 26.
Viewer concern over Clauditorium absence
After opening the show, Lacey was not seen in the Clauditorium later in the broadcast, prompting questions from viewers on social media. One person posted on X: "Why are hardly any of the @bbcstrictly stars standing with their partners when JoJo is talking to couples?! Eg Vito standing by himself, where is Lacey?"
Another supporter asked: "Where did Lacey go? She okay?" A third commented: "Where is Lacey Turner, she danced first but she's not upstairs with this group now. Where has she gone?"
Reflection on It Takes Two
Lacey did not directly address her absence but spoke about the performance during an appearance on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two on Tuesday (October 13). When host Ellie Taylor asked if it was nice to get the dance done, Lacey replied: "Do you know, it was actually. It was nice to get it done, but it was so nerve-wracking going first."
Discussing the Samba itself, she added: "I got a wider shoe, apparently I've got wide feet! I think you could see I was terrified, I think it was there in my face." She continued: "To be honest, I found the Samba really difficult. It didn't go in like the others went in. I found it really technical, [there were] a lot of things to think about. But yeah, it did all sort of come together, and it was nice to have done it, tick [it off], and say goodbye."
Upcoming Adele tribute
During Icons Week, Lacey and Vito will perform an American Smooth to Adele's 2008 single Hometown Glory. When Ellie asked how she was finding the style, Lacey said she was "really enjoying it", prompting Ellie to exclaim: "Oh my god, Lacey, I don't think you've ever said anything positive about a dance! Have you found your one?"
Lacey responded: "Brace yourselves! I loved my Quickstep, I did love my Quickstep... It is [nice to be back in hold]. It's not slow, but it definitely feels different to the Samba, which is nice." She also hinted at "lots of spins", including two solo spins, in the choreography.
Her It Takes Two appearance came 24 hours after it emerged that Delta Goodrem would be unable to perform during Icons Week due to a rib injury. The Australian singer will receive a bye through to the next week, where she hopes to return to the dance floor.
Strictly Come Dancing and Strictly: It Takes Two are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
