Strictly Come Dancing 2026 has burst into life far earlier than usual with the exciting confirmation that EastEnders favourite Lacey Turner will be the first celebrity to take to the ballroom this autumn. The popular actress, who has portrayed the iconic Stacey Slater on the BBC soap since 2004, will swap the drama of Albert Square for the glitz and glamour of the dance floor when the hit show returns later this year.

The announcement, shared on Strictly’s official social media channels, sent fans into a frenzy of celebration and immediately set the tone for what promises to be a fresh and highly anticipated new series.

Lacey has spoken openly about her thrill at joining the show, describing herself as a huge fan who cannot quite believe she will be performing rather than watching from the comfort of her sofa. In a heartfelt statement, she expressed her excitement at making her way to the dance floor and her eagerness to meet everyone involved while learning an entirely new skill. For someone who has spent two decades captivating audiences with her powerful performances on EastEnders, the prospect of mastering dance routines under the spotlight represents a bold and exhilarating new challenge.

Her words have resonated strongly with viewers who have followed her career for years and are now delighted to see her step outside her comfort zone in such a high-profile and joyful format.

The timing of the reveal has added an extra layer of buzz. Strictly Come Dancing traditionally keeps its celebrity line-up under wraps until later in the summer, building anticipation gradually ahead of the autumn launch. This year, however, the first name has been dropped much earlier, sparking immediate excitement across social media platforms. Fans have flooded Instagram and other channels with messages of delight, with many commenting on how refreshing it feels to have early confirmation. Comments such as “Oh my god amazing!!!” and “Wait celeb reveals announced early!?!? But also woooo Lacey gonna be amazing” capture the infectious enthusiasm.

Others have already predicted big things for Lacey, with one fan declaring that her popularity alone could see her go far, even suggesting she has already won in the hearts of viewers regardless of final placement. The early announcement has clearly worked its magic, generating conversation and setting social media alight with speculation about who might join her in the coming weeks.

Lacey’s participation marks the beginning of what is being described as a major new era for Strictly Come Dancing. Last year’s series saw the departure of long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, two iconic figures who had become synonymous with the show’s warmth, humour and seamless presentation. Their exit created a significant shift, and the BBC has moved quickly to introduce a fresh presenting team to steer the programme into its next chapter.

Earlier this month, comedian Josh Widdicombe, television presenter Emma Willis and professional dancer turned host Johannes Radebe were officially confirmed as the new trio tasked with guiding viewers through the ballroom magic each weekend.

The new hosts have each shared their own feelings about stepping into such well-loved shoes. Emma Willis spoke of her long-standing passion for the show, admitting she has cheered and danced along from her sofa for years. She described the opportunity to step into the Strictly ballroom as something she can scarcely comprehend and expressed her excitement about spending weekends alongside Josh, JoJo, the dancers and the judges.

While acknowledging that it is impossible to fill the shoes left by Tess and Claudia, two wonderful and iconic women who formed the beating heart of the programme for so long, Emma voiced her hope that the new team can help steer the ship beautifully into this fresh chapter. Her words reflect both the honour and the responsibility that come with the role, as well as genuine enthusiasm for what lies ahead.

Johannes Radebe, affectionately known as JoJo, has described his return to Strictly in this new hosting capacity as beyond anything he ever imagined. He highlighted how the show has always stood for joy, heart and togetherness, and expressed deep honour at now helping to carry that magic forward. He noted the special chemistry he shares with the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe, adding that he is ready, sequins, nerves and all, and asking viewers to bear with him as the new team finds its rhythm.

His message carries the warmth and positivity that fans have come to associate with him over the years, promising that the heart of Strictly remains very much intact even as the presentation evolves.

Josh Widdicombe has brought his trademark humour to the announcement, referencing his memorable appearance dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin during the 2024 Christmas Special, which he called his career high point. He admitted to feeling giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed at the chance to step into what he described as the biggest shoes in television. He expressed his adoration for Emma and JoJo and his eagerness to spend weekends with them, even joking that he will dust off the penguin costume.

His light-hearted tone has already endeared him further to fans, suggesting the new hosting line-up will bring a blend of laughter, energy and genuine affection for the show.

With Lacey Turner confirmed as the first celebrity heading into the ballroom, anticipation for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is already building at a rapid pace. Viewers are watching closely to see which other famous faces will be revealed in the coming weeks and months as the full line-up takes shape. The early announcement of such a popular and respected actress has given the series an immediate boost, reminding everyone of the show’s enduring ability to surprise and delight.

Lacey’s journey from Albert Square to the dance floor promises to be one of the most talked-about stories of the series, and her evident excitement has only heightened the sense that this year’s competition will be filled with memorable moments, stunning routines and plenty of emotional highs.

The changes to the presenting team add another compelling dimension to the new chapter. After years of stability with Tess and Claudia at the helm, the arrival of Emma, Josh and Johannes signals a deliberate refresh while still honouring the values that have made Strictly such a beloved institution. Their individual statements reveal a shared commitment to preserving the show’s signature blend of glamour, skill, humour and heart, even as they bring their own personalities and perspectives to the role. Fans have responded positively to the trio, appreciating the mix of established television talent and fresh energy they represent.

The fact that Johannes is transitioning from professional dancer to co-host also adds an interesting layer, bringing insider knowledge of the competition while offering viewers a new dynamic on screen.

As the weeks progress and more celebrities are unveiled, the excitement surrounding Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will only intensify. Lacey’s early confirmation has set a high bar, demonstrating that the production team is keen to generate buzz and keep the conversation going long before the first live show. Her background as one of EastEnders’ most enduring and beloved characters means she already carries significant public goodwill, which many believe will translate into strong support once the competition begins.

Combined with the fresh hosting line-up and the promise of spectacular dance routines, this year’s series looks set to deliver the entertainment and emotional moments that have become the programme’s hallmark.

Strictly Come Dancing returns this autumn on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, and the early glimpse of what is to come has left fans eager for more. Lacey Turner’s participation, the new presenting team and the overall sense of a show embracing a new chapter have combined to create genuine anticipation. Whether Lacey surprises everyone with hidden dance talent, the new hosts bring their own unique chemistry to the ballroom or the remaining celebrities deliver unexpected pairings and memorable performances, one thing is certain: Strictly 2026 is already capturing imaginations.

As the first name on the list, Lacey has helped kick-start the excitement, and the coming months promise to be filled with sequins, surprises and the kind of joyful television moments that keep viewers coming back year after year. The dance floor awaits, and the nation is ready to watch.