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Lacey Turner tops leaderboard in Strictly Come Dancing 2026 launch
EastEnders actress Lacey Turner has emerged as a strong contender in the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2026. Performing a cha-cha-cha with professional partner Vito Coppola, Turner earned a total of 27 points, placing her at the top of the leaderboard following her initial performance.
The judges provided significant praise, with Shirley Ballas awarding a standing ovation and describing the performance as “magnificent.” Motsi Mabuse called her the “surprise of the night,” while Anton Du Beke noted it was his favourite dance of the evening so far.
According to odds from oddschecker.com, Turner is currently the second favourite to win the Glitterball Trophy at 7/2 odds, trailing only social media star John Nellis. The series launch saw a peak viewership of 5.8 million, an increase of 200,000 viewers compared to the previous year's launch episode.
Entities
BBC · Lacey Turner · Shirley Ballas · Strictly Come Dancing · Vito Coppola
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Judge Craig Revel-Horwood praised Turner's timing and straight legs but suggested more hip action. www.radiotimes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Strictly Come Dancing launch episode reached a peak of 5.8 million viewers. www.standard.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Head judge Shirley Ballas gave Lacey Turner a standing ovation and described her performance as magnificent. www.radiotimes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lacey Turner received a total score of 27 points during the launch show. www.radiotimes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The launch episode saw 200,000 more viewers at its peak than the previous year. www.standard.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lacey Turner is the second favourite to win the Glitterball Trophy at 7/2 odds. www.standard.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Judge Motsi Mabuse referred to Turner as the surprise of the night. www.radiotimes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Judge Anton Du Beke called Turner's cha-cha-cha his favourite dance of the night. www.radiotimes.com