Lacey Turner, best known for playing Stacey Slater in the long-running British soap opera EastEnders, is taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. She was the first celebrity to be officially announced for the show in August. Turner, 38, has been a central figure in many of EastEnders' most memorable storylines, including the 25th and 40th anniversary episodes, both of which were filmed live in front of an audience. Stacey Slater left the fictional London neighborhood of Albert Square in October 2025 after a storyline involving the return of Max Branning, a character played by actor Ben Mitchell. In the show's narrative, Stacey moved to Brazil with her children to be with her brother Sean. However, Lacey Turner has not completely left EastEnders. The show’s producers have confirmed that she will return to the role when the "time is right." According to a report in The Sun, Lacey is expected to return to EastEnders later this year and will appear more regularly in 2027. This timing could align with a dramatic storyline teased in a flash-forward episode featuring Max Branning, which suggested significant events will unfold in the fictional town of Walford at the start of 2027. The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will begin on Saturday, September 19, at 7:25pm on BBC One. The show, which pairs celebrities with professional dancers, is a popular autumn entertainment event in the UK.