Strictly Come Dancing fans have voiced the same complaint on behalf of Lacey Turner, feeling she was 'undermarked' and 'harshly judged' following her latest performance in the ballroom.
The actress, known for playing Stacey Slater in EastEnders, is among the celebrities competing in the 2026 series of the BBC One show. She was paired with professional dancer and former winner Vito Coppola when the series began last month.
Week Four Performance
Lacey and Vito were among the 12 couples dancing on Saturday night (October 17), with the competition one couple short as Delta Goodrem was unable to perform with her partner Kai Widdrington due to injury.
The show marked the annual Icons Week special, opening with judges Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke dressed as Oasis brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher. Lacey appeared as Adele and performed an American smooth to the singer's track, Hometown Glory, finishing joint fourth on the leaderboard with a score of 29 out of 40.
Judges' Critique
Head judge Shirley praised the routine, saying: "I love the highlights and tricks there; they're very, very difficult. And we're in Week Four, and they're what we expect to see in the final, so anything where you were being lifted was absolutely extraordinary," but she wanted "some extra details now" and critiqued Lacey's posture.
Craig told Lacey: "It lacked direction, and it lacked intent, and you have to tell the story all the way through from the shoulder to the elbow to the wrist to the end of the fingers; it's really, really important. I feel like you forgot about that and were thinking about going into the next step, so just remember that for the future. But you have flow, you have connection... and I think you're a really strong partnership."
The judges also mentioned Lacey's nerves again, prompting fans to defend her and argue she deserved a higher score.
Fan Reaction
@staceyslaters said: "I really don't like the critiques on lacey's shyness as if you can just switch that shit off #Strictly."
@Mikeyyy_007 commented: "Surely it’s not just me…. The judges are being absolutely way too harsh on Lacey!!??? What are these comments???!! Her lines and movements were INCREDIBLE!! That was the best dance of the night!!! Preparing for her to be under marked!! #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing."
@Natninny89 echoed: "Do the judges not realise you can’t just flip a switch and all of a sudden feel loud, talkative & confident instead of being shy. Had people tell me to do that all my life and it absolutely grinds my gears Keep doing you Lacey! #strictly."
@Kaaaaatie_x wrote: "Am i watching a different show because how is lacey’s dance getting harsher critique than 90% of the other dances tonight which were worse #strictly."
@Cafi2k posted: "Lacey getting judged really harshly after a stunning dance?? It’s just beyond belief! We ride at dawn for our Stace #Strictly."
@pengiiplays shared: "I know i’m no dance expert but lacey seemed to be really unfairly judged and undermarked… This is my main issue with the show, they nit pick everything from certain celebs/pro’s but ignore others and brush over mistakes of some.. #strictly."
@ggtlife added: "Why did the judges not open with a compliments?? Different league to many tonight @laceyturner and @vitocoppola - you were amazing!!!! 9 for me!!!"
