Strictly Come Dancing returned to BBC One for its third week of performances on Saturday night, but viewers were left puzzled after noticing one star's absence from the usual post-dance gathering.
After EastEnders actress Lacey Turner and partner Vito Coppola opened the show with a Samba, scoring 26, fans noted she was not standing upstairs with the other celebrities, as is customary once routines are completed.
Fans question Lacey's whereabouts
Audiences took to X, formerly Twitter, to ask about her whereabouts. One wrote: "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 viewer observed: "Where did Lacey go? She okay?" while a third questioned: "Where is Lacey Turner, she danced first but she's not upstairs with this group now. Where has she gone?"
Lacey has not commented on her absence explicitly, though she did post to Instagram sharing moments from the programme after her routine. On her Instagram Story, she reshared footage from Tyler West, presenter of Strictly: Lights Up, which captured her extending her leg behind her while posing in her Samba outfit. She also reshared footage from the BBC highlighting her performance to Bamboleo, reports Wales Online.
Lacey's reappearance and performance reactions
Right at the end of the show, she reappeared briefly for the official opening of the vote. Supporters rushed to the comments to express their views on her performance, with one stating: "This was fabulous, well done Lacey and Vito. Loved it." Another remarked: "She is amazing, just needs to believe in herself more."
Lacey has previously acknowledged her nervousness affects her ahead of her routines, and she discussed her anxiety with host Johannes Radebe following her performance. As Lacey swept her hand across her forehead, Johannes enquired: "Is that a sign of relief?"
"Thank goodness, Jojo," Lacey responded. Johannes highlighted how judge Craig Revel Horwood had said Lacey should be proud of herself, to which she expressed her appreciation by saying: "That's really kind."
Vito's determination to push Lacey
Johannes outlined all of the intricate choreography that Vito had incorporated into the routine, with Vito revealing he was determined to push Lacey to her absolute limits as he was eager to witness her succeed.
He told Lacey: "I like to push a bit out from the limit. I said to you this week I can push more, I can challenge you. But I will always make sure you achieve the goal. I wish you could see yourself from the outside and see how amazing you are doing."
Strictly Come Dancing returns for the results show tonight on BBC One at 7.10pm.
