Lacey Turner and Jaime Winstone have spoken about their preparation for the upcoming BBC ballroom competition, sharing insights into the gruelling rehearsal process ahead of the series premiere.
The EastEnders performer revealed the show represented the most challenging experience of her professional life.
At 38 years old, the actress joins a lineup of 15 famous faces set to compete in the new season, which launches this Saturday, September 19.
During an appearance on This Morning alongside co-star Jaime Winstone, the actress discussed her approach to the competition, noting that previous participants had advised her to savour every moment given how quickly the series passes.
She acknowledged that while enjoyment was essential, the physical and mental demands exceeded her initial expectations.
Her perspective stemmed from observing friends who had participated in previous years, noting the considerable workload and exhaustion they experienced following their time on the programme, which had initially deterred her from accepting the invitation to compete.
Jaime Winstone echoed these sentiments, characterising the rehearsal schedule as particularly demanding.
The actress, who has extensive experience social dancing, explained that working with professional partners and memorising choreographed sequences presented an entirely different challenge.
She described feeling the physical effects during training sessions, with her muscles visibly trembling following intensive rehearsals.
The performer shared an anecdote from a recent celebration for socialite Poppy Delevingne, where she received unexpected praise from music artist Taylor Swift.
The international performer reportedly approached her during the event and inquired about her natural ability to dance with apparent freedom.
Regarding her family’s involvement, Winstone mentioned that her mother and young son Raymond were anticipating the broadcast dates.
She expressed hope that her father, actor Ray Winstone, would be able to attend certain live performances.
Ray Winstone has confirmed his involvement in the forthcoming film Going Under, which also features Danny Dyer.
Danny Dyer’s daughter, Dani Dyer, is likewise participating in the current Strictly series.
The two contestants also addressed the programme’s refreshed presenting lineup, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Rabe assuming hosting duties following the departure of long-standing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The new team was described as bringing a collaborative energy to the production, with Winstone appreciating the shared sense of novelty and anticipation.
Turner acknowledged the difficulty of matching the legacy of previous hosts while noting the fresh dynamic established by the trio, highlighting their collective chemistry and Willis’s standing as a much-loved broadcaster.