BREAKING: Strictly star suffers gruelling ‘injury’ just days before live show
Strictly Come Dancing star Lacey Turner has revealed the painful toll rehearsals are taking on her just days before she steps onto the dancefloor for the first live show of the 2026 series.
The EastEnders actress, who is partnered with professional dancer Vito Coppola, appeared in a series of Instagram clips showing the pair preparing for their upcoming performance.
But alongside the excitement, the footage also revealed just how gruelling training has become for Lacey.
Her feet were visibly bruised, cut and covered in blisters after days of rehearsing in dance shoes, with the actress groaning in pain as Vito showed fans the extent of the damage.
Lacey’s Feet Left Cut and Blistered
Vito began the update during a break in rehearsals, telling followers that the pair had just finished lunch and even managed to squeeze in a “power nap”.
He then turned the camera towards an exhausted-looking Lacey before announcing that they were about to return to training.
“And now, we’re going to do a little more dancing, and we’re getting ready for this weekend,” he said.
In another clip, the pair were sitting on the floor performing butterfly stretches when Vito joked that Lacey’s “dancing transformation has started”.
After hearing her groan, he asked: “What’s up with your blisters?”
The camera then focused on Lacey’s feet, revealing bruising, cuts and sore areas caused by rehearsals.
She pointed to a large cut on her big toe, prompting Vito to remark: “Wow, nice.”
He then explained that the injury had been caused by her “dancing shoes”.
‘All the Pain Is Going to Pay Off’
The injuries did not stop there.
Vito asked Lacey to show him the backs of her feet, revealing red and blistered heels as well.
As she continued to react to the discomfort, her professional partner attempted to reassure her.
“Don’t worry, it’s going to pay off, it’s going to pay off,” he told her.
“All the pain is going to pay off, I can promise.”
Vito then pointed towards the mirror and told his partner: “You’re transforming yourself into a dancer.”
The clips offered fans a glimpse at the physical demands of preparing for Strictly, particularly for a celebrity learning ballroom and Latin routines under intense time pressure.
For Lacey, that preparation has clearly already taken its toll.
Lacey Admitted She Was ‘Absolutely Terrified’
Before beginning her Strictly journey, Lacey admitted she was both excited and nervous about stepping into such an unfamiliar environment.
“I’m excited to learn something new and to be a part of this whole glittery shenanigan,” she said.
However, she also admitted: “I am absolutely terrified.”
Lacey said she hoped those nerves would ease once she got into the training room and began focusing on the dancing itself.
She also revealed that she planned to treat her performance like an acting role in order to help manage the pressure.
“I’m going to create a character that I can play on a Saturday night, as that’s the only way I’ll get out there, I think!” she explained.
First Live Show Approaches
The first live episode of Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will air this weekend following last Saturday’s pre-recorded launch show.
All 15 couples are due to perform live in the ballroom for the first time.
There will be no public vote or elimination during the opening live show, although judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will hand out the first scores of the series.
Those scores will then carry over into week two, when viewers will be given their first opportunity to vote.
For Lacey, however, the immediate challenge is simply getting through the final days of rehearsals while dealing with the painful injuries caused by her dance shoes.
Vito remains confident the discomfort will eventually be worth it.
And with her first live performance just days away, Lacey will soon get the chance to find out whether all those blisters, cuts and bruises really do pay off.
