Lacey Turner has opened up about the “never-ending” guilt she feels after deciding to step away from EastEnders—a show that’s been her home for years.
The beloved actress, known for her powerhouse portrayal of Stacey Slater, confirmed this week that she will once again depart the BBC One soap later this year. While the news has left fans heartbroken, Lacey revealed the deeply personal reasons behind her decision: a desire to embrace new career opportunities and, more importantly, to dedicate time to her growing family.
Having recently welcomed a new baby, Lacey stunned viewers by appearing in a high-pressure live episode just weeks after giving birth. Now, she admits the weight of guilt lingers—torn between her love for the show and her need to be fully present at home. “It’s never-ending, that guilt,” she confessed, shedding light on the emotional tug-of-war many working parents quietly face.
As she prepares for this next chapter, fans are already hoping it won’t be the last we see of Stacey Slater—or the woman who brought her so vividly to life.
In a new interview with OK!, Lacey admitted that she can’t help feel bad for leaving her kids behind to go to work, but she also simultaneously struggles with not working.
She said: “The older they get, the more you realise how quickly the little years pass. It’s bonkers. So I take it day by day, week by week.
Kieron McCarron//BBC
“You feel guilty leaving them, but also guilty for not earning. It’s just never-ending. But we’ve got to stop judging and start supporting each other.”
The door will be open for her to return to EastEnders, but she is hesitant to call it a break.
BBC
“‘Break’ is a funny word, I don’t think I’ve ever had one!” she added.
Before Lacey makes her departure later this year, there is plenty of drama to come for Stacey. There will be upsetting scenes for her next week, as her mental health deteriorates.
EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
