Published • loading... • Updated
Strictly Come Dancing Confirms EastEnders Star as First Contestant for 2026 Series
Lacey Turner says she is excited to learn a new skill as the BBC begins naming the 2026 cast earlier than usual.
- On Wednesday, the BBC confirmed EastEnders actress Lacey Turner as the first Strictly Come Dancing 2026 contestant, with the star set to compete in the autumn series.
- The casting announcement arrives significantly earlier than the typical August reveal, emphasizing Turner's prominence after her 21-year career playing Stacey Slater on the BBC soap.
- Turner said she is a 'huge fan' and 'so excited' to join the dance floor, while fans celebrated on social media, with one comparing the signing to 'signing Ronaldo.'
- Broadcaster Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and professional dancer Johannes Radebe will host the new series, replacing long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman while judges return.
- Further celebrity contestants will be revealed throughout the summer ahead of the brand-new series, which launches this September on BBC One and iPlayer.
Insights by Ground AI
25 Articles
25 Articles
Lacey Turner: Strictly Come Dancing unveils first celebrity of 2026 as fans stunned by early announcement
Lacey Turner, the 38-year-old actress who has portrayed Stacey Slater on EastEnders since 2004, has been confirmed as the inaugural celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2026.
·London, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources25
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution69% Center
Bias Distribution
- 69% of the sources are Center
69% Center
L 26%
C 69%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
