Lacey Turner on Strictly Come Dancing

Lacey Turner’s Strictly Q&A

Lacey Turner has admitted she is “excited” but “absolutely terrified” as she prepares to hit the dance floor as the 2026 series launches.

• The Announcement: The EastEnders star was the first celebrity confirmed for this year’s Strictly.
• Secret Weapon: Lacey plans to tackle her live show nerves by creating a specific stage persona to help her step out in front of the studio audience.
• Family Support: The actress revealed she is taking on the challenge for herself and her children to prove that hard work and bravery pay off.

The soap star launched her acting career at a young age before landing her iconic role as Stacey Slater on EastEnders in 2004. Her powerful performance on the flagship soap has earned her widespread critical acclaim, alongside a stack of major honors including British Soap Awards and National Television Awards. Beyond Albert Square, Turner proved her range by starring as the lead in the BBC drama Our Girl and appearing in a variety of stage and television productions.

Now, as she gears up for her biggest television challenge yet, the actress opens up about the mix of fear and excitement heading into the new series.

Asked how she feels about joining the Strictly class of 2026, Turner confessed: “I’m excited to learn something new and to be a part of this whole glittery shenanigan. But I am absolutely terrified and hoping that will go once I’m in the training room and I can get into it. I’m going to create a character that I can play on a Saturday night, as that’s the only way I’ll get out there I think!”

Explaining what finally made her take the plunge, she revealed that taking a break from soap duties provided the perfect opening: “I’ve always wanted to do it, but I’ve just never been brave enough. I’ve had a friend do it every year, so I know how hard it is. A lot of my friends are physically fit, and they have been exhausted. So, whilst I’m not working on EastEnders this year, I thought it might be a good time to do it because I’m not sure I am physically or mentally fit enough to do both jobs at the same time as well as run a household with three feral children! [laughs]”

Looking ahead to the upcoming weeks, Turner admitted her favorite part of the process might actually happen away from the cameras. When asked what she is most looking forward to and nervous about, she noted: “I’m actually most looking forward to the training. I think that I will enjoy that bit of it the most, and meeting everybody else. I’m obviously most terrified about the live Saturday nights and sitting in the makeup chair for that long, I’m not very good at that! I’m going to try my best and work on my patience.”

When questioned if she already boasts a signature move, the star joked: “All I’ve done on dance floors for the past 25 years is put my right arm up and point it in the air! [laughs]”

Turner also revealed that past performances have already inspired her. Asked which iconic routine from previous series she would love to perform, she said: “I’ve always gravitated towards something Latin. I’ve got to say I thought Balvinder and Julian’s Paso Doble last year was brilliant.”

Her inner circle couldn’t be happier about the news. On how her family and friends reacted, she shared: “They’re so excited, even more excited than me! I think they’ve always wanted me to do it so they are beside themselves, especially my children.”

Opening up on her main motivation, she explained: “It’s mainly for myself and my children. I want to show them that you can do anything if you’re brave and you work hard.”

As for her overall goal, she simply wants to embrace the journey: “Just to have a good time. I think it is such a lovely experience that not many people get the opportunity to do. So, I’ve got to really enjoy it because it is a once in a lifetime thing.”

Music choice could prove an interesting hurdle, though her kids already have strong opinions. Reflecting on her dream song to dance to, Turner admitted: “I’m actually terrible with music. I’ve normally got the wrong words and I have no idea who sang it. But, my daughter’s favourite song is Ordinary by Alex Warren, so she really wants me to do a dance to that. And my son’s favourite is a song from Minions, so you never know it might be that for Movie Week!”

Fortunately, she will have a few familiar faces by her side. Asked if she has met any of her fellow Strictly 2026 contestants before, she confirmed: “I’ve met Dani and Jaime before, which is lovely because we’re sort of similar and we’re the same-ish ages. So, I’m looking forward to seeing them again and becoming a big family with everyone else.”

Don’t expect any elaborate warm-ups before the music starts, however. On whether she has any backstage rituals to get in the zone, Turner laughed: “Oh no. I’m one of those that just wings it and hopes for the best!”

Her realistic approach extends to her current abilities, too. When asked how her friends and family would describe her dancing skills, she admitted: “Not great. I have zero dancing skills, so definitely room for improvement!”

Ultimately, the star hopes the series allows viewers to get to know the person behind the famous role. Reflecting on her time on screen, she shared: “I think it would just be nice for people to maybe see me as me. You play the same character for 21 years, and there are obviously bits of me in Stacey, but we are so different. Hopefully on Strictly people will be able to separate me from the character and learn more about me.”

Strictly launches 7.25pm this Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer. Subscribe below for Strictly updates.

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