Strictly Come Dancing contestant Lacey Turner has reflected on a challenging week, days after viewers raised concerns over her absence from the Clauditorium. The EastEnders actress, partnered with professional dancer Vito Coppola, discussed her recent performance on the BBC show's spin-off, It Takes Two, on Tuesday (October 13).
Scores and viewer concern
At the weekend, the pair danced a Samba to Bamboléo by Gipsy Kings. Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse awarded the routine a 6, while Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke gave 7 points each, bringing the total to 26.
After opening week three's live show, Lacey was not seen in the Clauditorium for the rest of the broadcast, prompting questions on social media. One viewer wrote on X: "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 asked: "Where did Lacey go? She okay?" A third added: "Where is Lacey Turner, she danced first but she's not upstairs with this group now. Where has she gone?"
Opening the show
Lacey has not directly addressed her absence, but did discuss the routine on It Takes Two. Host Ellie Taylor asked: "You opened the show. Was it nice to just get it done?" Lacey replied: "Do you know, it was actually. It was nice to get it done, but it was so nerve-wracking going first."
Ellie noted: "It is a lot, isn't it? But then you can relax for the rest of the show?" The actress agreed, saying: "Exactly, you can just be a viewer, which is lovely." Speaking about the Samba's challenges, Lacey said: "I got a wider shoe, apparently I've got wide feet! I think you could see I was terrified, I think it was there in my face."
She added: "To be honest, I found the Samba really difficult. It didn't go in like the others went in. I found it really technical, [there were] a lot of things to think about. But yeah, it did all sort of come together, and it was nice to have done it, tick [it off], and say goodbye."
Icons Week ahead
Lacey will honour Adele during this weekend's Icons Week, performing an American Smooth to Hometown Glory, Adele's 2008 hit. When Ellie asked how she was finding the style, Lacey said: "Yeah, I'm really enjoying it." Ellie responded: "Oh my god, Lacey, I don't think you've ever said anything positive about a dance! Have you found your one?"
Lacey joked: "Brace yourselves! I loved my Quickstep, I did love my Quickstep... It is [nice to be back in hold]. It's not slow, but it definitely feels different to the Samba, which is nice." She also teased "lots of spins", including two solo spins, in the routine.
Her appearance on It Takes Two came a day after it was announced Delta Goodrem would not perform in Icons Week due to a rib injury. The singer will receive a bye to the following week, hoping to return to the dance floor. Both Strictly Come Dancing and Strictly: It Takes Two are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
