EastEnders Star Lacey Turner 'Signs Up For Strictly Come Dancing' After Years Of Turning It Down

She once joked she'd need to 'grow a pair' before lacing up those dancing shoes, and it looks like EastEnders legend Lacey Turner has finally done exactly that. The 38-year-old actress — beloved by millions as Walford's fiery Stacey Slater — is reportedly set to join this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing, ending years of politely declining the BBC's advances. Consider our Saturday nights sorted.

Lacey has been on an extended hiatus from EastEnders since last year, stepping back from the soap to focus on her young family with husband Matt Kay. The couple have three children together — Dusty Violet, six, Trilby Fox, four, and baby Gipsy Olive, one — and sources say the timing of the Strictly stint is no coincidence. The plan, according to insiders, is for Lacey to shimmy through the autumn series before eventually reprising her iconic role as Stacey Slater later this year.

It's fair to say the powers that be at Strictly are absolutely delighted to finally have Lacey on board. She's one of the most recognisable faces in British soap history, having first appeared as Stacey Slater back in 2004, and her loyal fanbase is expected to send the viewing figures soaring.

Lacey won't just be making her Strictly debut — she'll be doing it under an entirely new presenting line-up. Following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the show's September launch will see Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe take the helm for the very first time. It's a fresh start all round, and Lacey is in good company — she follows in the Strictly footsteps of fellow EastEnders alumni including Rose Ayling-Ellis, who famously won the glitterball trophy in 2021, as well as Bobby Brazier, Maisie Smith, Kellie Bright and Emma Barton, all of whom reached the final during their respective series. If form is anything to go by, Albert Square stars tend to do rather well on that dancefloor.