Lacey Turner to depart EastEnders

EastEnders mainstay Lacey Turner quits the Square…

EastEnders – which won ‘Best Continuing Drama’ at last night’s BAFTA’s – is to lose one of its biggest award winners as fans are in for a bombshell as soap favourite Lacey Turner, popular for her fiery role as Stacey Slater, has revealed she’s waving goodbye to Albert Square later this year.

In a candid chat with The Sun, Lacey spilled the beans on her dramatic departure, saying: “It’s time for myself and Stacey to take a rest – and who knows what Stacey will get up to in her time away? Knowing her, it’ll never be boring!”

After years of drama, heartbreak, and jaw-dropping storylines, it looks like Stacey’s about to make one last explosive exit… for now. Turner may be stepping away from Albert Square, but not before major drama unfolds.

A spokesperson for the BBC One soap has confirmed Stacey Slater’s screen time is ticking down, but reassured viewers that there’s still a rollercoaster of twists ahead before her emotional exit.

“We can confirm that Lacey will be off-screen later this year, but there is plenty more drama to come beforehand,” the statement read. “And rest assured — the door will always be open for Stacey’s return when Lacey decides the time is right.”

According to The Sun, the fan-favourite actress is stepping back to spend more time with her growing family and to explore new career ventures. The star, who welcomed baby Gipsy Olive with husband Matt Kay in January, is also mum to daughter Dusty, 5, and son Trilby, 3. Despite giving birth just weeks earlier, Lacey made a heroic return to set to be part of powerful scenes for the soap’s 40th anniversary live episode.

“She’s leaving on a high — but don’t expect Stacey to go quietly. There’s bound to be fireworks!” – TV Critic Vivian Summers