Lacey Turner reunited with her former EastEnders co-star James Bye during a surprise visit on the Halloween special of Strictly Come Dancing, leaving fans emotional. The pair, known for playing Stacey Slater and Martin Fowler, shared a heartfelt moment before Turner and her partner Vito Coppola scored 36 out of 40 points for their Charleston.
Surprise Visit During Training
In their opening video package, Lacey and Vito were seen training when James Bye paid them a surprise visit. Wearing a trench coat as he entered the building, Bye was greeted with delight by his former onscreen wife.
“It’s the best that James has come and seen me. He is literally like my brother,” she said. James added: “Knowing you very well, I am straight up blown away. You are doing great on the dancefloor.”
James Bye's Encouraging Words
James then stated: “You are way better than I was, don’t laugh. I know that’s not hard. You’ve got Charleston this week, which was my favourite week when I left the show dressed as the most famous Halloween character of all time, the Beekeeper.
“Who was the other partnership who knocked me out? Couldn't have been some young sexy Italian, could it? Lace and Vito, you’ll smash it. I hope your Charleston goes a lot better than mine, which I’m sure it is.”
Judges' Scores and Fan Reaction
Lacey and Vito ended up knocking their routine out of the park. With Motsi Mabuse calling it the ‘best dance of the night’ and Shirley Ballas branding it as ‘huge improvement’, the judges each gave them a score of nine points, giving them a brilliant overall score of 36 out of 40 points.
Those watching Strictly at home rushed to X, previously known as Twitter, to have their say at getting to see one soap’s most popular couples back together again. @geordiegalg said: “Ah it's lovely to see James Bye there supporting Lacey.” @ffion_sheppard_ added: “JAMES AND LACEY REUNITED GOD I LOVE THEM! OUR STACEY AND MARTIN.”
@devonbentleyxx commented: “James and Lacey. I miss them #Strictly.” @TashAmaka posted: “What a lovely surprise for James to visit Lacey. Martin and Stacey reunited #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing #SCD.” @CariadGomez commented: “James!!!!! We miss you on EastEnders #Strictly.” @chlosarchive stated: “HELLO JAMES?! STARTIN HEART #Strictly.”
