Strictly Come Dancing has officially named Lacey Turner, the 38-year-old actress best known for playing Stacey Slater on EastEnders, as its first confirmed contestant for the 2026 series. The announcement, made via Instagram on Wednesday, comes unusually early — with the show not set to air until September — and arrives alongside a slate of sweeping changes, including a completely new hosting lineup. turner, who is currently on an extended break from the soap, expressed both excitement and terror at joining the competition.

Lacey Turner, 38, swaps Albert Square for the ballroom — eight years after saying no

According to the report,Turner revealed in an Instagram video that she could not quite believe she was finally taking the plunge. “I'm so excited and terrified at the same time,” she said, adding that friends who had previously competed encouraged her to find the courage. the actress had famously turned down a Strictly invitation in 2017, admitting at the time that she was “rubbish at dancing” and lacked the guts to participate.. Now, with a break from her long-running soap role , she said she is keen to “learn a new skill” and meet the production team.

The eight-year gap between offer and acceptance underscores a pattern of careful calculation. As the source notes, Turner is a beloved figure on British television, anchoring one of the BBC’s flagship dramas. Her signing signals that producers are leaning on familiar, audience-friendly faces to launch the revamped series.

Three new hosts and a revamp: the biggest shake-up in Strictly's recent history

The 2026 series will be the first without Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who had fronted the show together since 2014.. Their departure has paved the way for a three-person hosting team: Emma Willis, 50, Johannes Radebe, 39, and Josh Widdicombe, 43, will split duties, as the source confirms. This is a major departure from the traditional dual-host format and raises questions about how the chemistry will work on live television.

In addition to the hosting change, Janette Manrara has exited both the main show and its spin-off It Takes Two, which she hosted since 2021. Speaking candidly in a YouTube video, she described the programme as having “changed hugely” and noted that departing after 14 years felt like a “huge shift.” The report indicates that Strictly is undergoing what insiders are calling a “revamp,” though the specifics beyond personnel remain vague.

Why an early Instagram announcement signals a changed strategy

Traditionally, Strictly has parceled out contestant reveals closer to the premiere date. Announcing Turner in the spring — months ahead of the September launch — suggests a deliberate push to dominate the entertainment news cycle early. According to the source, producers have teased that more stars will be announced over the summer, but the early drop could also be a tactical move to regain audience attention after a period of behind-the-scenes turbulence and high-profile exits.

The shift to Instagram as the primary reveal platform is also notable. by engaging fans directly through social video, the show controls the narrative without the filter of a press briefing. Turner’s candid admission of fear — “I'm terrified” — plays well in a culture that values authenticity,especially when a brand is trying to rebuild trust.

What remains unconfirmed about the new hosting trio and the show's future

While the source confirms the three new presenters, it does not specify how their roles will be divided. Will all three appear each week, or will they rotate duties? The report also leaves unanswered why Daly and Winkleman quit, only noting that speculation had been rife. Furthermore, Manrara’s exit statement hints at broader changes — “Strictly has changed hugely” — but the nature of those changes has not been detailed. Followers of the show will be watching closely for any adjustments to the judging panel, musical acts, or format wrinkles beyond the personality shake-up.

Another open question is how the early announcement will affect the celebrity recruitment pipeline. If Turner is the first domino, who else might follow? The report teases more summer reveals but offers no names. The competitive landscape — with rival networks launching or refreshing dance shows — may also influence whom Strictly can secure.