Strictly Come Dancing fans were left distracted during week three on Saturday night as EastEnders star Lacey Turner appeared to vanish after her opening routine. The 38-year-old performed a Samba with partner Vito Coppola, scoring 26 points, but was notably absent from the group upstairs for most of the show.
Several other couples captivated audiences during the live broadcast, including Tabby Stoecker and Mark Karmalita, who performed the season's first Argentine Tango. Love Island's Cach Mercer also impressed with a Couple's Choice routine, and Delta Goodrem earned widespread praise for her Salsa with Kai Widdrington.
Fans question Lacey's absence
After Lacey's dance, viewers took to X, formerly Twitter, to voice their concern. One fan posted: "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 wrote: "Where did Lacey go? She okay?" while a third added: "Where is Lacey Turner, she danced first but she's not upstairs with this group now. Where has she gone?"
Lacey shares highlights on Instagram
Lacey has not spoken publicly about why she left the ballroom, but she shared highlights on her Instagram Story after the show. She reposted a video from Tyler West, host of Strictly: Lights Up, showing her kicking her leg in her Samba costume, and a BBC video of her performance to Bamboleo. She returned briefly before the vote opened, standing at the back of the group.
Fans offered support in the comments, with one saying: "So proud of her, she doesn't know how good she is. Well done Lacey." Another commented: "Wow, love the dance. Such a great partnership and what a way to start the show." A third said: "Vito always brings out the best in partners. You can tell just how much he loves it."
Vito's determination to push Lacey
Vito revealed he was determined to push Lacey to her limits, telling her: "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."
Lacey is known for her portrayal of Stacey Slater on EastEnders, a role she has played since 2004. The character has faced harrowing storylines, including mental health struggles, the murder of Archie Mitchell in 2010, and the Keanu Taylor whodunit in 2023. Strictly Come Dancing returns for the results show tonight on BBC One at 7.10pm.
