Lacey Turner is the first celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026

Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is coming! The eagerly anticipated new series is getting ready to once again light up Saturday and Sunday nights this autumn on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and the first celebrity contestant has been confirmed as award winning actress Lacey Turner.

The news was officially revealed on Wednesday 10 June via @bbcstrictly’s official social channels on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.

• Strictly Come Dancing 2026 - Everything You Need To Know
• Add Strictly Come Dancing to your Watchlist on BBC iPlayer

Lacey began acting at a young age and is best known for her role as Stacey Slater on EastEnders. Since joining the series in 2004, Lacey has won multiple awards for her work on the show, including several British Soap Awards and National Television Awards. Beyond EastEnders, Lacey has appeared in a range of stage productions and television dramas including the lead role in acclaimed BBC Drama Our Girl.

Lacey Turner says: “I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing! 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!”

Further news about Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be revealed throughout the summer ahead of the brand-new series getting underway on BBC One and iPlayer this September. Viewers can add the show to their watchlist on BBC iPlayer now.

For all the latest breaking news from the ballroom check out our Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Everything You Need to Know guide.

Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC Studios Entertainment production for BBC One and iPlayer.

CM2

Follow for more