Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left baffled after the BBC announced EastEnders star Lacey Turner as the first contestant for the 2026 series, with many saying it is far too early for such revelations.
Early Announcement Sparks Confusion
Lacey Turner, 38, who is best known for playing Stacey Slater on the BBC One soap opera, was revealed as the first celebrity to join the upcoming series. However, the announcement came in June, whereas last year's first name was not disclosed until mid-August. The show typically returns in September, with celebrity names usually announced throughout the summer.
Fans took to social media to express their surprise. One wrote on Instagram: "Is it that time of year already!? Better start putting Mariah on a slow defrost!" Another said: "Gosh you know the year has gone by so fast if they are already revealing the celebs." A third commented: "Girlies we're doing this a bit early aren't we I can't cope." Others simply said: "It's June, calm down," and "Earliest celeb announcements ever!"
Excitement Among Co-Stars and Professionals
Despite the early timing, there was also excitement for Lacey. Her EastEnders co-star Alice Haig wrote: "This is so exciting!" Balvinder Sopal, who competed last year, exclaimed: "Yes, yes, yessss! Come on Lace. What a ride you are going to have." Strictly professional Lauren Oakley added: "Yessss @laceyturner." Head judge Shirley Ballas typed: "Welcome," alongside three red heart emojis. Dianne Buswell penned: "Christmas has come early! Welcome, Lacey." Amy Dowden added: "Yas @laceyturner! Welcome lovely."
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! 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!"
Show Set for Transformation
The announcement comes amid reports that the show will undergo a complete transformation when it returns later this year. Sources claim the dance floor is likely to undergo a makeover, with bosses deciding whether to change the iconic backdrop at the George Lucas studio in Elstree. The current set features bright coloured panels, lights, and screens, but sources suggest this could be replaced with larger screens that display visuals during routines.
A source told The Sun: "It was natural that bosses look at giving the show a whole new look as it enters a new era, but they aren't ditching the traditional presentation of the show, just the way it is delivered." The source added: "It's going to get a more sleek, impressive set, but it will still be all about fun, glitz and sparkles. They aren't trying to turn it into the set of Star Wars."
The rest of the line-up, which is rumoured to include Delta Goodrem, Jeff Brazier, Dani Dyer, and Josie Gibson, is expected to be announced in the coming weeks on BBC morning and evening shows, including BBC Breakfast and The One Show. The launch show, which is pre-recorded, will see the contestants paired with their professional partners.
