Strictly Come Dancing signs up EastEnders star for 2026

Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater, is currently on a temporary break from the BBC soap to spend more time with her family.

However, it’s now been reported that Lacey will be using her newfound free time to take to the Strictly ballroom.

EastEnders legend to join Strictly Come Dancing 2026

According to The Sun, a source told the outlet, “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.

“he’s down to earth and viewers will be excited to get to know her personality away from Albert Square.

“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.”

Back in 2027, Lacey revealed that she turned down Strictly, sharing, “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.”

The 2026 line-up for Strictly Come Dancing has yet to be announced but is expected to be revealed over the next few weeks.

Shirley Ballas shares verdict on Strictly’s new hosts

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has given her verdict on the show’s new hosts.

The 65-year-old ballroom star shared her excitement for the shake-up in a recent interview.

Ballas praised Emma Willis as “a true professional” and called Johannes Radebe “a shining star.”

She also welcomed comedian Josh Widdicombe to the line-up, which was announced earlier this week.

Ballas said: “I’ve worked with Emma (Willis) before on Cooking With The Stars and she is a true professional.

“And who doesn’t love JoJo (Johannes Radebe)?

“He’s a shining star.

“And I’m looking forward to the banter Josh (Widdicombe) is going to bring, he’s a fabulous comedian, I know he’s going to give Craig Revel Horwood a run for his money with the comebacks.”

The new presenters join the long-running BBC show following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down last year.

Ballas will return to the judging panel when the series resumes in September.

Are you excited for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing? Let us know in the comments.