Lacey Turner's EastEnders co-star has sent her a heartfelt message of support ahead of her 'nerve racking' Strictly Come Dancing journey. The actress, best known for playing Stacey Slater on the BBC soap, is set to take part in the upcoming season of the popular dance competition.
From Walford to the Dance Floor
Lacey Turner made her Walford debut in 2004 and quickly became one of the show's most beloved characters. Fans were devastated last year when Stacey decided to move to Brazil for a fresh start after her ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye) died in an explosion at the Queen Vic. Since then, viewers have been eager to see what Lacey would do next.
Following weeks of speculation, Lacey was confirmed as the first star for the 2026 season of Strictly Come Dancing. The only other announced contestants so far are Love Island's Dani Dyer and Australian singer Delta Goodrem.
Lacey's Excitement and Nerves
In an interview, Lacey shared her excitement and nerves: "Hello, it's Lacey Turner. I can't quite believe that I'm actually saying this, but I want to let you in on a little secret. This September, I will be taking my little toes onto the dance floor to do Strictly Come Dancing. I can't believe it. I'm so excited and so terrified at the same time, but I've had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time I plucked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor. So there you go, secret's out. See you in September!"
EastEnders Success on Strictly
EastEnders stars have performed well on the BBC dancing competition in recent years. Balvinder Sopal (Suki Panesar-Unwin) was a welcome addition to last year's line-up, while Maisie Smith (Tiffany Butcher) reached the 2020 final, and Rose Ayling-Ellis (Frankie Lewis) won the Glitterball Trophy in 2021.
Emma Barton's Advice
On Monday night (June 15), Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell on EastEnders, shared her thoughts on Lacey's big news during an appearance on The One Show. Emma, who reached the Strictly final in 2019, has shared many scenes with Lacey since joining the soap in 2005.
Presenter Alex Jones asked: "Lacey Turner was announced as one of the contestants in Strictly this year and of course you were absolutely fabulous as was you Rob [Rinder]. Have you spoken to her, how is she feeling, have you given her any tips?"
Emma, who was partnered with Anton Du Beke on the show, replied: "I sent her a message straight away. I couldn't believe it. I can't believe she is doing it, she is so brilliant. She is such a wonderful gorgeous woman and the audience is going to love her. I'm so proud of her because it is nerve racking and it's scary."
Reflecting on her own Strictly experience, Emma admitted she always dreaded descending the stairs when her name was called at the start of the programme. She joked: "That's the worst. That was the worst, sorry Lacey."
