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Strictly's Emma Willis claims "Angela Rippon would be pleased" as Lacey Turner tackles the rumba
Strictly host Emma praised the stars long legs.
BBC/Guy Levy
- Tilly Pearce
Published: Saturday, 7 November 2026 at 8:17 pm
Lacey Turner certainly impressed Emma Willis during this week's Strictly Come Dancing – with the host saying the star performed a leg extension "Angela Rippon would be proud of".
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The EastEnders actress returned to the dancefloor this weekend with pro partner Vito Coppola, performing a rumba to the song Yellow by Coldplay in a nod to her real-life husband, Matt Kay.
During the routine, Lacey – wearing a cream, Grecian-inspired flowing dress, performed leg extensions as Vito dipped her back, with the studio audience applauding her as she did so.
After the song was over, the pair moved to the judges table for their critiques, with Emma noting she couldn't raise her leg so high, giving a small kick and joking that's as far as she could get.
Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola BBC/Guy Levy
She later declared it was a kick "Angela Rippon would be proud of" in a nod to the 82-year-old broadcaster who, in 2023, famously kicked her leg over the shoulder of her dance pro, Kai Widdrington.
As for Lacey, she was praised by the judges for her performance, earning 30 out of 40 potential points.
Shirley noted the EastEnders star needed to be more confident, telling her she was "a little bit nervous at the beginning".
"You set a difficult routine. The leg action was lovely. You stayed on time. I would love you to feel a little bit more confident," head judge Shirley told her.
"This is a difficult dance. If you just give me a little bit more of this... you're much better than you think, you know that, right? Do you know that? And I was exceptionally pleased with this rumba. So well done to you."
While Craig Revel Horwood was a little more critical of the performance, saying it lacks some needed fluidity, but he noted: " You both have an amazing connection, and that's what was wonderful to see. And that extension, darling, was absolutely gorrrrrrgeous."
Angela Rippon on Strictly Come Dancing BBC
Finally Motsi Mabuse said: "I would love to see you on your own feet, moving yourself, being free. A moment for you. I would like that from you because I know you can do it. But it was a beautiful dance."
Lacey and Vito are fighting to maintain their place in the competition as this year's series hits its halfway point.
The results will be revealed on Sunday as part of a Remembrance Sunday special, with the pros honouring British soldiers with a special routine.
Choreographed by Lizzie Gough and set to the Peter Gabriel arrangement of Heroes, the dance is inspired by The Monument to the Women of World War II, focusing on the lives of women during the conflict after the men went to war.
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One and iPlayer.
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Authors
Tilly PearceFreelance Writer
Tilly Pearce is a freelance TV journalist whose coverage ranges from reality shows like Love Is Blind to sci-fi shows like Fallout. She is an NCTJ Gold Standard accredited journalist, who has previously worked as Deputy TV Editor (maternity cover) at Digital Spy, and Deputy TV & Showbiz Editor at Daily Express US.
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