EastEnders Star Lacey Turner Quits After Two Decades

EastEnders star Lacey Turner, who has played Stacey Slater since 2004, has announced she will be leaving the soap later this year to focus on her family and other work commitments, following the recent birth of her third child. BBC bosses and Turner herself have emphasized that her departure is not permanent, with the door left open for a future return and significant storylines planned for Stacey before her exit. Turner's decision comes after a busy period both on and off screen, including a brief return from maternity leave for the show's 40th anniversary live episode, which saw her character experience the dramatic loss of her husband, Martin Fowler. Despite her departure, Turner has spoken positively about her experience on the show and her love for her job, noting the challenges and considerations of balancing work and motherhood. Soap insiders and spokespeople reiterate that her relationship with EastEnders remains strong, making her eventual comeback likely. Turner's exit is expected to be marked by substantial drama, maintaining her character's longstanding impact on Albert Square.