Strictly's Lacey Turner stunned by 'vacuum-packed' body transformation after intense…

Lacey Turner has revealed she is "stunned" by how her body has transformed during her time on Strictly Come Dancing, describing the effect as being "vacuum-packed". The EastEnders star, 38, told The Sun that despite indulging in pastries and pasta, her figure has firmed up significantly due to the grueling training regime with partner Vito Coppola, according to the Daily Mail ^[1].

The actress, who lives on a farm with her husband and three children, noted that while she may not have lost weight, her body has become "resilient and stronger". Her transformation comes as she continues to impress judges, having recently topped the leaderboard with a Charleston routine that earned nines from all four panel members, the Mirror reported ^[3].

Turner admitted that the glitz of the ballroom remains "the most terrifying thing" she has ever done, comparing the experience to walking out "butt naked". She confessed to feeling shy and retiring, far removed from her feisty character Stacey Slater, and initially feared she would have a "heart attack" from the pressure, the Daily Mail ^[2] noted.

Amidst Turner’s personal journey, the show itself faces scrutiny. Judge Anton Du Beke has hit back at claims of "crisis talks" among BBC bosses, dismissing speculation that the programme is in trouble. Du Beke, 60, defended the new hosting trio of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, who replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman this year, according to the Daily Mail ^[1].

While the launch show drew 5.7 million viewers compared to a peak of 14 million, Du Beke argued that viewing habits have changed. He pointed out that last weekend's show had a 58 per cent share of those watching television at that time, stating that "every year over 50 per cent of the population are watching," the Times reported via the Daily Mail ^[2].

As the competition enters week seven, body language expert Judi James has issued a warning to Turner. James cautioned that Turner must show more "playful joyousness" to secure a place in the final, noting that her current non-verbal cues suggest she is performing under duress, the Daily Star reported ^[4].

Turner faces stiff competition from Olympic skeleton athlete Tabby Stoecker, who has surged in bookmaker odds following strong performances. With Jaime Winstone ruled out due to a torn abdominal muscle, the battle for the Glitter Ball trophy heats up this Saturday, the Daily Star ^[4] confirmed.