Strictly fans convinced one ‘fantastic’ new pairing are already the frontrunners to win

Strictly Come Dancing is back on our television screens, and viewers have already singled out an early favourite couple to win the Glitterball trophy.

Among the newly formed couples, EastEnders star Lacey Turner and professional dancer Vito Coppola have instantly captured the public's imagination.

Viewers flooded social media to praise the pairing, with many labelling the duo "iconic" and branding them the frontrunners to win the entire competition.

One fan wrote: “If Lacey Turner has even an ounce of dancing skill, the mirrorball trophy is hers to lose.”

A second posted: “She’s giving me major winning vibes, I hope it’s the first time a male pro wins twice on the show Let’s go Lacey & Vito.”

Lacey Turner has been partnered with dancer Vito Coppola (Ray Burmiston/BBC)

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A third added: “I don’t watch Strictly but rooting for Lacey Turner. She deserves the world, genuinely one of the loveliest people ever.”

And yet another person said: “ The best pairing!!!!! Helps that Vito has chemistry with everyone.”

Turner, best known for her role as Stacey Slater in the BBC soap, was the first celebrity confirmed for this year's roster back in June.

Elsewhere in the launch show, Strictly history was made as Dani Dyer was paired with Nikita Kuzmin.

The coupling marks the first time in the show's history that a partnership has been repeated twice, following Dyer's unfortunate withdrawal from the previous series due to an injury.

The premiere also showcased a new trio of hosts, introducing Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe taking over from Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

The wider 2026 cast also boasts pairings including Gavin and Stacey star Melanie Walters with Aljaz Skorjanec, and Olympian Dame Sarah Storey alongside Julian Caillon. Elsewhere, Carlos Gu has been partnered with actress Jaime Winstone.