EastEnders legend Lacey Turner is already this year's Strictly Come Dancing winner, according to fans and commentators. The BBC made a shock early announcement in June, revealing that the actress will be among the contestants for the 2026 series.
Early Announcement Shocks Fans
The nation caught the Strictly bug earlier than usual this year when the new hosts were confirmed. But few expected the first cast announcements to come in June. Typically, discussion about the show heats up in late summer, around August, when the BBC begins dropping names. However, just weeks after confirming that Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe, and Johannes Radebe will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as presenters, Strictly decided to give fans a taster. Lacey Turner, known for her iconic role as Stacey Slater on EastEnders, will compete for the Glitterball Trophy.
A Stellar Addition to the Line-Up
As a longtime fan, I cheered at the news. Strictly's familiarity, warmth, and joy are the perfect antidote to the cold, wet, and miserable time of year when it airs. With so many changes this year, including new hosts, there were concerns about retaining that warmth. But with just one name in, bosses have already won me over. Stacey Slater has been a stalwart of Albert Square for 22 years, and Lacey is top tier among soap stars. She is an absolute titan of the genre who never fails to give 110% to every scene.
Lacey's Commitment to Her Craft
Whether it is a slanging match with Stacey's local nemesis, a smart quip, or an expertly delivered dialogue exchange that makes viewers giggle ('You just walk in 'ere with your patatas bravas!'), or breaking hearts with a powerhouse performance during an issue-led storyline, Lacey is a pro with a capital P. Her commitment is second to none. Just weeks after going on maternity leave last year, she made a string of EastEnders appearances for emotionally heavy scenes. Weeks after giving birth, she played a vital role in the soap's 40th anniversary live episode, requiring extensive rehearsals and pages of dialogue. Those scenes proved to be some of her most powerful to date.
Thriving Under Pressure
Strictly celebrities face serious pressure to impress judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton DuBeke. From learning steps to finessing lines, understanding the characterisation of each dance, and performing live every Saturday night, the programme is rigorous. This is where Lacey will thrive. The characterisation of dances, such as a fiery Paso Doble or a moody Tango, is in perfect hands with an actress of her calibre. While live TV nerves could get the better of anyone, the Our Girl star has proven time and again that she excels under pressure, having taken centre stage in various live EastEnders episodes.
Fans Already Declaring Victory
If Lacey brings even a fraction of the same commitment to Strictly as she does to EastEnders, we could witness one of the best celeb journeys the dance floor has ever seen. Shortly after her casting news broke, one fan on X branded this the 'soap version of Ariana Grande doing Strictly.' Another said that for soap fans, this is the equivalent of the BBC competition signing Ronaldo. Though she will no doubt have competition from Dani Dyer, who is returning after an injury last year, Lacey has what it takes to be the winner. And it seems I am not alone in saying she is already mine.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this September.
