Lacey Turner, one of EastEnders’ most iconic stars, has officially confirmed that she will be taking an “extended break” from the long-running BBC soap – and fans are heartbroken by the news. After years of portraying the complex, fiery, and deeply beloved Stacey Slater, Turner’s temporary departure signals a major shift for Albert Square. While show bosses have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of Stacey’s upcoming exit – including exactly how she’ll leave Walford or how long she’ll be gone – they’ve assured viewers that the episodes leading up to her farewell will be packed with drama, tension, and emotional twists. Stacey has been at the heart of some of the show’s most unforgettable storylines, from mental health struggles to explosive family feuds, and her absence will undoubtedly leave a noticeable void. As speculation grows over what could drive her to step away, fans are bracing themselves for a rollercoaster of episodes. Whether it’s a dramatic send-off or a more quiet goodbye, one thing is certain: Stacey Slater’s exit will not go unnoticed.

Lacey Turner, who gave birth to her third child – daughter Gipsy Olive – in January told The Sun it was time for her and her alter-ego to take a break from EastEnders.

“It’s time for myself and Stacey to take a rest and who knows what Stacey will get up to in her time away?” Lacey said. “Knowing Stacey, it will never be boring.”


Stacey isn’t coping after Martin’s death (Credit: BBC)

Lacey Turner is leaving the drama behind!

On screen at the moment, Stacey is grieving the death of her ex-husband Martin. She was by his side when he passed away after the explosion at the Queen Viv and the pair had confessed their love for one another.

Stacey’s struggling to cope without Martin. She’s shut herself away, which has driven a wedge between her and her family – especially teenage daughter Lily. 

In real life, of course, Lacey’s resting after giving birth to her baby just a few weeks ago. She’s been on screen occasionally but isn’t featuring often.

Lacey Turner in an interview on This Morning
Lacey is taking an extended break (Credit: ITV/YouTube)

The door is open for a return

Lacey has been in EastEnders since 2004. She took a break in 2010 and returned permanently in 2014. It’s not known if this break away from Albert Square will be as long as her last one but fans will be relieved to know she is not leaving for good.

“We can confirm that Lacey will be off-screen later this year,” said an EastEnders insider. “But there is plenty of more drama to come beforehand and we will look forward to planning Stacey’s return when Lacey decides the time is right.”

Phew!

‘What is EastEnders without Lacey Turner?’

Fans, though, are devastated that Lacey will be leaving, with one viewer saying: “I can’t actually cope”!

“What is EastEnders without Lacey Turner?” asked one upset viewer. While another devastated viewer asked dramatically: “What’s the point in life?”!

And it turns out the fans have some questions about Lacey’s exit too – they want all the details about how Stacey will leave, when she’s going and when she’ll be coming back!

“Has she already filmed her final scenes?” one fan pondered.

And another demanded: “I need to know now when she is returning.”