Strictly star Lacey Turner admits ‘it’s a midlife crisis’ as she reveals exactly why she decided to join show amid 'fears'
The EastEnders favourite has explained why she accepted Strictly Come Dancing after years of rumoursLacey Turner has revealed that her break from EastEnders gave her the freedom to join Strictly Come Dancing.
Speaking to Prima, she explained why 2026 became the right moment after years of rumours.
“Now I’m not on EastEnders, it felt right,” she said.
That decision came during an unusually quiet period for the actress, who plays Stacey Slater in the BBC soap. Her choice also gives the long-rumoured signing a personal purpose. Lacey wants to challenge herself and set an example for her children.
Why Lacey Turner chose Strictly Come Dancing in 2026
Lacey had previously watched co-stars Jake Wood and Kellie Bright balance the dance contest with EastEnders.
She admitted she could not understand how either actor handled both workloads. With soap filming no longer dominating her diary, the timing finally changed.
For the first time, she has enjoyed a long stretch away from work. That has meant more time with her children, alongside quieter interests at home. She has been tending her allotment and garden, while also enjoying upholstery and being outdoors.
Lacey had expected boredom because she loves EastEnders and working. Instead, she found the pause genuinely enjoyable and welcomed doing things without thinking about work.
“For the first time in my life, I’ve had a long time off work and it’s been lovely to be with my kids, potter around in my allotment and do things just for me.
“Maybe it’s a midlife crisis,” she admitted.
However, family sits at the heart of her decision. She hopes taking the chance will show her children they can achieve goals through determination.
Lacey Turner is embracing her Strictly nerves
Nerves have not disappeared as the competition approaches. Instead, Lacey is treating that fear as a reason to step forward.
“I’m nearly 40 and I want to start doing things I’m scared of,” she said. “I want to go out of my comfort zone and push myself to see what I’m capable of.”
Her focus is clear: leave familiar territory and discover what she can manage.
That gives this year’s booking a meaning beyond simply fitting around her work schedule. It is also a chance to do something entirely for herself during her break.
Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola face the dancefloor
The Strictly Come Dancing 2026 couples were confirmed during the launch show. Lacey was matched with professional dancer Vito Coppola for the series.
Vito brings winning experience, having lifted the Glitterball trophy in 2023 with Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach.
That partnership now gives Lacey an experienced guide as she faces the challenge she deliberately chose.
Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb is another soap name taking part this season.
Strictly Come Dancing airs at weekends on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer. EastEnders continues from Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One, with episodes also available online.
Read more: Emma Willis’ ‘cry for help’ spotted during Strictly debut amid ‘awkward’ Josh Widdicombe moment
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
