Lacey Turner Tops Strictly Leaderboard After Week Three
Lacey Turner and her professional partner Vito Coppola have surged to the top of the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard following Saturday night’s week three live show. The EastEnders actress delivered a confident samba to “Bamboléo” by Gipsy Kings, earning a total of 26 points from the judges—enough to place her at the summit of the competition so far, despite opening the show.
Judges Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood were broadly impressed by the routine. Mabuse urged Turner to feel more confident in herself, while Ballas described the performance as “spectacular.” The score adds to Turner’s consistent run: she earned 27 points in week one for her Cha Cha and 28 in week two for her Quickstep, making her one of the most reliable celebrities of the series.
However, viewers and judges alike have pinpointed a potential obstacle. Turner appeared visibly nervous as she descended the stairs to open the show, and several fans took to social media to note that if she can overcome her anxiety, she could be a serious contender for the Glitterball trophy. Her professional partner, Coppola, offered a supportive message after the dance: “I challenge you but I will always make sure you achieve the goal. I wish you could see yourself from the outside and see how amazing you are doing.”
Context: A Soap Icon’s New Chapter
Turner, 38, is best known for playing Stacey Slater in EastEnders, a role she first took on in 2004. Over two stints spanning more than two decades, she won over 40 awards, including four National Television Awards. She left the soap in 2025 when her character departed for Brazil, freeing her schedule for Strictly.
Her decision to join the 2026 series comes after years of hesitation. “I’ve always wanted to do Strictly but have never been brave enough,” she said. “A lot of my friends are physically fit, and they have been exhausted. So, whilst I’m not working on EastEnders this year, I thought it might be a good time to do it because I’m not sure I am physically or mentally fit enough to do both jobs at the same time as well as run a household.”
The stakes are high. This year’s competition features a diverse lineup including singer Delta Goodrem, Manchester City legend Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Gavin & Stacey favourite Melanie Walters. The show also introduced a new hosting trio—Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe—after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down last year. Early eliminations have already claimed celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, who lost out to Jaime Winstone in Movie Week.
Fans Spot a ‘Problem’ Amid Praise
While Turner’s scores are strong, the Manchester Evening News reported that viewers were quick to identify a recurring “problem” with her routines: her visible nerves. One fan wrote on X: “I could FEEL the nerves on Lacey when she walked down the stairs… but Lacey & Vito absolutely SMASHED THAT!!!” Another added: “Good Samba from Lacey. I think you could see how nervous she was, she did well.”
The concern is not new. In week one, Turner admitted to feeling the pressure of performing live. But her ability to channel that anxiety into polished performances has impressed the judges, who have consistently placed her near the top of the leaderboard.
Perspective: A Turning Point for Turner and the Show
Turner’s success on Strictly comes at a pivotal moment for both her career and the programme. After leaving EastEnders, she is navigating life beyond soap, and a strong run on the BBC dance contest could open new doors in entertainment. Her journey also mirrors a broader trend of soap stars using Strictly as a springboard to diversify their careers—from stage roles to presenting gigs.
Moreover, the 2026 series is undergoing significant changes. The new hosting lineup has divided viewers, and the song choices have drawn criticism from some fans who feel they don’t match the dances. Yet the show remains a ratings powerhouse, and Turner’s relatable vulnerability—paired with her evident talent—has made her a fan favourite.
As the competition progresses, the question is whether Turner can conquer her nerves and sustain her momentum. With a dedicated partner in Coppola and a growing base of supporters, she has the tools to go all the way. But in a contest where confidence is as crucial as footwork, her inner battle may prove to be the most formidable opponent of all.
Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday on BBC One.
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