The $30 million toe in the water

Strictly Come Dancing has announced its first 2026 contestant, EastEnders star Lacey Turner, 38, in a move that signals the show's revamped format. The BBC competition will return in September with new hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The change comes as Janette Manrara confirmed her exit from Strictly Come Dancing and spin-off It Takes Two,citing a 'huge shift' in her career.

According to the source, Lacey Turner is currently on an extended break from playing her iconic character Stacey Slater in the soap and is keen to use her spare time to train for the competition. In a video shared to Instagram, Lacey admitted she is 'terrified' to be taking part in the BBC show, which will return to screens in September, and can't wait to 'learn a new skill'. She said: 'Hello it's Lacey Turner I can't quite believe that I'm actually saying this but I want to let you in on a little secret.. This September I will be taking my little toes onto the dancefloor to do Strictly Come Dancing.'

Why 4,000 unsold units became the prize

The news of Lacey Turner's participation in Strictly Come Dancing comes as the show undergoes a huge revamp ahead of its return in September. The competition will feature new hosts, a new format, and a new set of contestants,including Lacey Turner. The EastEnders star is currently on an extended break from playing her iconic character Stacey Slater in the soap and is keen to use her spare time to train for the competition.

According to the source, Lacey Turner has been asked to participate in Strictly Come Dancing before, but she turned it down in 2017, citing that she didn't 'have the guts' to do it. However, this time around, she is eager to take on the challenge and learn a new skill. In a video shared to Instagram, Lacey admitted she is 'terrified' to be taking part in the BBC show, which will return to screens in September, and can't wait to 'learn a new skill'.. She said: '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!'

Who is the unnamed buyer?

While Lacey Turner's participation in Strictly Come Dancing is a major coup for the show, there are still many unanswered questions about the competition's revamped format. One of the biggest questions is who will be the unnamed buyer of the show's new format. According to the source, the show's producers have teased that more stars will be announced over the summer, but so far, only Lacey Turner has been confirmed.

Another question is what changes can be expected from the show's revamped format. According to the source, the show will feature new hosts, a new format, and a new set of contestants. However, it is unclear what other changes will be made to the show. One thing is certain, though - Lacey Turner's participation in Strictly Come Dancing is a major coup for the show, and fans are eagerly awaiting the competition's return in September.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

According to the source, auditors flagged several issues in the show's May filing, including a 'huge shift' in the show's format. The show's producers have confirmed that the show will undergo a huge revamp ahead of its return in September,but it is unclear what other changes will be made to the show.

One thing is certain, though - Lacey Turner's participation in Strictly Come Dancing is a major coup for the show, and fans are eagerly awaiting the competition's return in September. With its revamped format and new hosts, the show is sure to be a hit with audiences. But what changes can be expected from the show's revamped format? Only time will tell.