Lacey Turner Joins Strictly, Takes Break from EastEnders

star Lacey Turner has reportedly signed up to star on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. 

The BBC actress, 38, is currently on an extended break from playing her iconic character Stacey Slater in the soap and is keen to use her time to train for the BBC competition, which will start in September.  

 Lacey is said to be excited to 'learn to dance' and BBC producers are delighted for fans to get to know her personality away from EastEnders. 

A TV source told The Sun: 'Strictly bosses are delighted to snap Lacey up for the series, especially as she has such a huge fan base from her time on the soap.

'She's down to earth and viewers will be excited to get to know her personality away from Albert Square.

'She has loved having some quality time off screen to focus on parenting, but feels like now is the perfect time to learn to dance and try something different before she reprises her role in EastEnders.'

 Back in 2017, Lacey revealed she had turned down an offer from Strictly and admitted she didn't 'have the guts' to do it. 

She said at the time: 'I have been asked to go on Strictly but I'm rubbish at dancing and I don't really have the guts.

'I think it's a great show to do, though, as you learn a new skill.'

The Daily Mail has contacted Lacey and BBC representatives for comment. 

It comes days after Come Dancing'.

The 2026 celebrity line-up is yet to be announced following the 's major shake-up of the hit show.

But as speculation continues to grow over who will compete in the new series, Denise was put on the spot while discussing whether she is securing a spot on the show this year.

When asked if she was in talks with Strictly, she told The Sun: 'I'm pleading the fifth on that one. Bye!'

Strictly often casts people from the talk show , including past contestants like , , and .

Even though Denise has hinted she may take part in a reality show, she also insisted that her focus remains on acting, with several upcoming projects in the pipeline. 

'It's all exciting,' she added. 

The Daily Mail has contacted Denise's reps for further comment.