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.

The BBC soap star will swap Albert Square for the ballroom when the dancing competition returns this autumn, competing for the prestigious Glitterball trophy.

Ms Turner expressed her enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating: "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."

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The news was revealed on Strictly's official Instagram account, featuring an image of Ms Turner concealed behind the show's logo alongside the caption: "Here we go, first celebrity of 2026… It's Lacey Turner. We can't wait to see you on the dance floor."

Viewers responded enthusiastically to the announcement on social media, with many expressing surprise at the timing of the reveal.

Fans noted that celebrity contestants are typically unveiled later in the summer months, making this year's early announcement particularly noteworthy.

One Instagram user commented: "Wait, celeb reveals announced early!?!?"

Another added: "Omg it's so early, how exciting!!"

A host of current and former Strictly Come Dancing stars were quick to celebrate the announcement.

Professional dancer Dianne Buswell wrote: "Christmas has come early! Welcome, Lacey."

Judge Shirley Ballas commented: "Welcome," followed by three red heart emojis.

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Former professional dancer Amy Dowden added: "Yas Lacey Turner... welcome lovely xxxx."

TV personality Jack Quickenden responded with two clapping emojis, while pro dancer Neil Jones wrote: "Wow how exciting is this."

Fans were equally enthusiastic about Lacey Turner joining the Strictly line-up.

One wrote: "YES THIS IS AMAZING."

Another added: "She's already won. Even if she's only third or fourth best, her popularity will be incredible!"

A third joked: "For non-soap viewers, this is basically like signing Ronaldo."

However, not everyone was convinced by the announcement.

One person simply asked: "Who?"

Another wrote: "Already?? And who is she?"

This year's series marks a significant new chapter for the long-running programme following the exit of beloved presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after last year's show.

Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe were officially confirmed as the new hosting trio earlier this month.

Ms Willis acknowledged the weight of the role, saying: "It's impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long."

Mr Radebe described his appointment as "beyond anything I ever imagined," adding that he feels "deeply honoured" to help carry the show's magic forward.

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