The BBC has made a surprise announcement, confirming the first celebrity contestant for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. Fans have issued the same verdict following the reveal.
First Celebrity Confirmed
EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, best known for her role as Stacey Slater, will take to the ballroom floor in September 2026. The announcement was made on Wednesday, 10 June.
Speaking about taking part, Turner 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!" She added: "I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!"
Fan Reactions
Fans rushed to social media to share their excitement. One wrote: "OH YAY!!!" while another said: "Love this can't wait to watch you." The official BBC EastEnders account commented on Instagram: "Soooo exciting!"
However, some fans were distracted by the early timing of the announcement, made three months before the show airs in September. One fan commented: "IT'S JUNE, CALM DOWN," and another wrote: "Wayy too early my friends!" A third asked: "Celeb reveals already?!" while a fourth agreed: "So early for celeb reveals!!!"
More reactions included: "The show doesn’t start for 3 months!!", "Wait celeb reveals announced early!?!?", and "Gosh you know the year has gone by so fast if they are already revealing the celebs."
Changes to the Show
The BBC usually announces the line-up in August, ahead of the September start date. However, this year brings a huge shake-up. Last month, the three new hosts were confirmed: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
It is the first time the show has had three permanent presenters since Sir Bruce Forsyth shared duties with Claudia Winkleman during his later years. Speculation followed Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's departure in October 2025, with their final episode airing on Christmas Day.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer in September 2026.
