Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly set to sign an EastEnders star for its 2026 series. Lacey Turner, 38, who has played Stacey Slater on the BBC soap for 22 years, is said to be in the process of joining the dance competition after taking an extended break from Albert Square.
Lacey Turner's Potential Move to the Ballroom
According to a TV source quoted by The Sun, Strictly bosses are delighted to have Turner on board. The source stated, 'Strictly bosses are delighted to snap Lacey up for the series, especially as she has such a huge fan base from her time on the soap. She’s down to earth and viewers will be excited to get to know her personality away from Albert Square.'
Turner, who has three young children—Dusty Violet, six, Trilby Fox, four, and Gipsy Olive, one—has been spending time away from EastEnders. The source added, 'She has loved having some quality time off screen to focus on parenting, but feels like now is the perfect time to learn to dance and try something different before she reprises her role in EastEnders.'
Previous Refusal and Other Soap Stars
In 2017, Turner turned down Strictly, saying, 'I have been asked to go on Strictly but I’m rubbish at dancing and I don’t really have the guts. I think it’s a great show to do, though, as you learn a new skill.' Numerous soap stars have taken part in the competition, including fellow EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis and Jamie Borthwick, who played Jay Brown for 19 years. Borthwick was axed from the soap last year after using a disability slur on the Strictly set.
Dani Dyer's Possible Return
This news follows reports that Dani Dyer is poised to return to Strictly after she was forced to bow out in 2025 due to an injury. The former Love Island star sustained an ankle fracture during rehearsals with professional partner Nikita Kuzmin, leaving her heartbroken. Now, it is rumoured she will be available for the new series.
New Hosts for the Series
The 2026 series will feature a new hosting lineup after the exit of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly last year. Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis, and Josh Widdicombe will take over as hosts. Johannes has reassured fans that he will still dance in some capacity, though details remain sparse.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this September.
