Strictly Come Dancing reveals 'excited' soap star Lacey Turner is first contestant as cast reacts
Lacey Turner is the first contestant to be confirmed for the new Strictly Come Dancing series.
The EastEnders star - who is currently on an extended break from playing the iconic character Stacey Slater - shared her “excitement” at the news.
”I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing!” the 38-year-old enthused.
“I am a huge fan and can't quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!”
The announcement was shared on social media on Wednesday, with more contestants set to be announced soon.
Comedian Josh Widdicombe, who will host the BBC dance competition alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, shared his approval, writing on Instagram: “Off to a flyer!”
A slew of Strictly professional dancers also celebrated the news, with Dianne Buswell penning, “Christmas has come early! Welcome Lacey,” and Neil Jones commenting, “Wow how exciting is this.”
Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse added: “Welcome Lacey Turner, lets rock and roll.”
The new series will air on the BBC in September.
The contestant announcement comes amid a major hosting shake-up for Strictly’s latest series.
Presenter Willis, comedian Widdicombe and professional dancer Radebe will host the show as a trio in a first for the flagship entertainment programme.
The news was confirmed last month on the show’s Instagram page with the caption: “It’s official…September 2026.”
The new line-up will take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their departure from the programme in October 2025.
Willis, who has hosted shows including Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother, as well as Love Is Blind UK, said: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.
“It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long.
“I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter. I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!”
Speculation over who would replaced Daly and Winkleman has been rife since they announced their departure.
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Zoe Ball recently confirmed she did screen tests for the hosting job but did not get it.
Discussing the snub, the 55-year-old said she was “working through the seven stages of grief and rejection”.
“No, I didn't get it, but I tell you, what, if who I think has got it, we're in safe hands and our new hosts are going to be fabulous. I'm so thrilled for them, and hopefully at a later date, we'll be able to talk about them in more detail,” she added.
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, said last month: “Emma, Johannes and Josh’s chemistry is undeniable.
“There’s been so much speculation and hype, so I’m relieved we can share the news with the public at last! I’d like to thank all the brilliant people we saw before making this tough decision.”