Strictly Come Dancing reached its halfway point in week seven, and fans were quickly distracted by two EastEnders legends spotted in the audience during Saturday's live show. James Bye, who played Martin Fowler, and Robert Kazinsky, who plays Sean Slater, were seen supporting their co-star Lacey Turner, who has played Stacey Slater on the BBC soap since 2004.
Fans react to soap stars in the audience
Viewers took to social media to share their excitement at seeing the pair on-screen once more. One person wrote on X: "Rob Kazinsky and James Bye in the audience for Lacey (love heart) #Strictly #EastEnders." Another added: "Sean Slater woof," while a third chimed in: "Both James and Robert being in the audience to support Lacey #Eastenders #Strictly."
James Bye joined EastEnders in 2014 as Martin Fowler, taking over the role from James Alexandrou, and married Stacey Slater on the show. His character was dramatically killed off during the show's 40th-anniversary live episode, which aired on 20 February 2025. Robert Kazinsky made his first appearance as Sean Slater, Stacey's older brother, in 2006, left in 2009, and returned to Walford permanently last month.
Week seven competition tightens
With just 10 couples left in contention for the Glitterball trophy, the competition is tighter than ever, with six different couples topping the leaderboard so far. Last week, Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb and his pro partner Jowita Przystał were eliminated after the show's first-ever bottom three dance-off.
Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola topped the leaderboard during the Halloween special after receiving 36 points for their Charleston to Cheryl and Tinie Tempah's hit 'Crazy Stupid Love'. Actress Jaime Winstone, who has been in several dance-offs, will automatically make it through to the next round due to an injury in rehearsals.
What to expect this week
Lacey and Vito will perform a Rumba to Coldplay's song Yellow. Other performances this week include Bethany & Nancy dancing a Foxtrot to Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis, Dani & Nikita performing an American Smooth to It Had to Be You by Harry Connick, Jr., and Delta & Kai dancing a Cha Cha to Let's Get Loud by Jennifer Lopez.
Tabby & Mark will perform a Paso Doble to Supermassive Black Hole by Muse, Cach & Maddie a Waltz to That Ain't You by Mulaa Joans, Graeme & Lauren a Couple's Choice to The Book of Love by Peter Gabriel, John & Katya a Salsa to Get Lucky by Daft Punk feat. Pharrell and Nile Rodgers, and Will & Dianne a Quickstep to This Love by Maroon 5.
The Strictly Come Dancing results show airs Sunday at 7:10pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
