Strictly makes shock early announcement confirming EastEnders legend in 2026 line-up

Strictly Come Dancing just got a whole lot more exciting with the early announcement of the first star in their 2026 line-up. And it's an EastEnders legend we're talking about, Lacey Turner, the talented actress who's been bringing Stacey Slater to life on our screens for years. This news is a big deal, especially since the cast is usually revealed closer to the show's return in August. But the BBC has decided to shake things up and give us a sneak peek into the new season.

It's not just any EastEnders star that's been confirmed for the show, though. Lacey Turner is a household name, with a career spanning over two decades. She first joined the BBC soap in 2004, playing the role of Stacey Slater, and has since become one of the most celebrated soap actors in Britain. With 40 accolades under her belt, including eight British Soap Awards and four National Television Awards, it's no wonder she's a fan favorite.

But what's even more exciting is the news that Lacey Turner will be joining a brand new set of hosts for the show. After Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced their departure from the show last year, the BBC has been on the hunt for fresh faces to take over. And they've found them in Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe. This new lineup is set to bring a fresh new feel to the beloved show, and we can't wait to see what they bring to the table.

The news of Lacey Turner's involvement in the show has disrupted the Strictly fanbase, with many taking to social media to express their excitement. One fan, Joe, compared the news to signing Ronaldo, while Amardeep simply wrote "Woooo Lacey gonna be amazing!" The support for Lacey has been overwhelming, with even some of her Strictly colleagues weighing in. Motsi Mabuse, one of the show's judges, welcomed Lacey to the Strictly family, saying "Let's rock and roll!" while Dianne Buswell simply said "Christmas has come early!"

So what does this mean for Lacey Turner and her Strictly journey?And who knows, maybe she'll even teach us a thing or two about dancing. As Lacey herself said, "I am so excited to be making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing!" We can't wait to see what she has in store for us.

And here's the thing: Lacey Turner is just the beginning. The BBC has confirmed that more celebrities will be joining the show throughout the summer, so stay tuned for more exciting announcements. With Lacey on board, we know that this is going to be a Strictly season to remember.