Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe BBC has announced that Lacey Turner, known for her role as Stacey Slater in EastEnders, will be a contestant on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. Turner has garnered multiple awards during her tenure on the long-running BBC soap opera and has also featured in various stage productions and TV dramas, including the lead role in Our Girl. Expressing her enthusiasm, Turner stated she is "so excited" to join the dance competition, highlighting her long-standing fandom for the show. She conveyed her disbelief at participating rather than watching from home and eagerly anticipates meeting the cast and crew. Turner also looks forward to the opportunity of acquiring a new skill through her involvement in the popular dancing programme. In fullStrictly Come Dancing reveals first celebrity contestant for 2026Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

EastEnders actress Lacey Turner has become the first celebrity to be announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 as bosses gear up for a fresh start for the BBC series

Strictly Come Dancing have announced Lacey Turner as their first 2026 contestant.

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or…

‘EastEnders’ star Lacey Turner says she is ‘so excited’ to be taking part in the BBC dancing contest

Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left saying the same thing after the BBC show revealed their first contestant, Lacey Turner, who will join this year's line-up

BBC show is getting the glitterball rolling with 2026 cast announcements

Strictly Come Dancing have announced the second name set to take to the dancefloor this Autumn and Winter, after EastEnders actress Lacey Turner

Two stars have been confirmed for the BBC show’s 2026 line-up