Strictly Come Dancing viewers were united in agreement that there was only one "problem" with Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola's routine as they kicked off week three of the 2026 series. The remaining celebrities returned to the BBC ballroom after saying goodbye to Chris Appleton.
New hosts and Movie Week exit
This year's installment of Strictly Come Dancing brought significant changes after former hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down last year. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe now lead the show for the first time, and the first hosting trio has left some viewers feeling divided.
This year's famous faces include EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, singer Delta Goodrem, Manchester City legend Shaun Wright-Phillips and Gavin & Stacey favourite Melanie Walters. During week one, the new hosts split presenting duties, with Emma and Josh at the judges' table and Johannes joining the couples on the balcony ahead of the score reveal, a role previously held by Claudia.
It was during Movie Week that celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton and professional dancer Amy Dowden bid farewell to the ballroom after losing out to Jaime Winstone and partner Carlos Gu.
Judges praise Lacey and Vito's Samba
On Saturday (October 10), the remaining stars took on week three with a mix of couples' choice, salsa, rumba and waltz. Opening the show were Lacey and Vito with a Samba to "Bamboléo" by Gipsy Kings. Although they appeared nervous, the judges were impressed by their performance.
Judge Motsi Mabuse urged Lacey to feel more confident in herself, while Shirley Ballas called the routine "spectacular". The couple received 26 points as they headed upstairs to join Johannes. Vito told Lacey: "I 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."
Viewers point to nerves as only issue
Viewers at home also highlighted Lacey's nerves, suggesting that growing in confidence could make her the winner of 2026. On X, @geordiegalg wrote: "Good Samba from Lacey. I think you could see how nervous she was, she did well." @ollieollieGA added: "i could FEEL the nerves on Lacey when she walked down the stairs… but Lacey & Vito absolutely SMASHED THAT!!! her performance shone through!!! she absolutely sold that!! the Lacey journey is FULLY underway!!" @lucymacleanns echoed: "Lacey amazing as always, her only issue is just her confidence like she can do so much more but she’s so talented."
