EastEnders star Emma Barton has said viewers will “fall in love” with her co-star Lacey Turner as the Stacey Slater actress prepares for week one of Strictly Come Dancing.
Barton, who previously competed on the BBC dance show, told the Mirror she has heard “great things” about Turner’s performances and believes she will do well in the competition.
Barton praises Turner’s dedication
“Lacey is just the most adorable woman and the audience is gonna fall in love with her,” Barton said. “Whatever she tackles, whatever she's given, she goes in 10 out of 10, 100 percent. I really hope she does well. She is gonna have a wonderful time, and she will deliver.”
Turner’s opening dance for the series has been revealed, with the actress performing to a Whitney Houston track.
Honey and Billy storyline aftermath
Barton also spoke about her recent EastEnders storyline, which saw her character Honey Mitchell kidnapped by Bea Pollard. Bea became obsessed with Honey and attempted to ruin her marriage to Billy Mitchell.
“I hope there's happier times,” Barton said. “The Bea storyline was so dramatic, and it turned Honey and Billy's relationship upside down. After Bea was exposed, it was lovely to see that connection between Honey and Billy come back.”
Billy actor Perry Fenwick added: “It was nearly lost, and what was lovely was the public and all the writers on the show were wanting to show that even with a couple like them, through no fault of their own, their relationship was at risk.”
Fan reactions and hopes for the couple
Fenwick said viewers would approach him to warn him about Bea. “They'd say, 'Would she just [go]? She's horrible,' because they knew what she was up to. But it was mad,” he said.
Both actors noted that fans often ask them the same questions when they are out in public. Barton said she frequently hears comments like “where's Billy” and “What are you doing in here?” while shopping.
The pair hope to see Honey and Billy remain united long-term. Barton said: “I think it's so lovely, we're one family on the Square that is very much loyal to each other. I want to see more of that tight knit. I think the audience really love Honey and Billy, it's been 21 years!”
Fenwick added: “It is crazy. Emma said to me right at the start, 'I'd love it if we became Jack and Vera, those iconic couples'.”
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
