A major shift is on the horizon for EastEnders fans as beloved actress Lacey Turner prepares to step away from her iconic role as Stacey Slater later this year. After first joining the cast in 2004, Lacey quickly became a cornerstone of the soap, known for Stacey’s fierce loyalty, fiery temper, and emotionally raw storylines. Although she initially left the series in 2010, her full-time return in 2014 was met with widespread excitement. Now, over a decade later, the actress is once again bidding farewell – at least for the time being.

Stacey’s current arc is steeped in grief following the tragic death of her former husband, Martin Fowler, who perished in a devastating explosion at The Queen Vic earlier this year. The blast rocked Walford to its core, and in its aftermath, viewers watched Martin confess his enduring love for Stacey just moments before his life was cut short. His final words left Stacey heartbroken and burdened by unresolved emotions, spiraling into a period of mourning that’s seen her increasingly isolate herself from those around her.

Stacey’s emotional withdrawal has created cracks in her family, particularly with her eldest daughter Lily (played by Lillia Turner), who feels increasingly neglected by her grieving mother. As Stacey locks herself away in her room, Lily is left to shoulder the emotional void left in the wake of Martin’s death, trying to make sense of a family unraveling. The Slaters, usually known for their fierce unity, now face a tense period of emotional reckoning.

Behind the scenes, this storyline cleverly accommodates Lacey Turner’s maternity leave, following the birth of her third child, Gipsy Olive, with husband Matt Kay. The couple are also parents to Trilby Fox and Dusty Violet, and Lacey’s decision to step back from the show reflects her desire to prioritize her family during this special time.

Though Lacey will soon vanish from screens, BBC bosses have assured fans that Stacey’s exit won’t be abrupt – and it certainly won’t be dull. They’ve confirmed that there are plenty more twists and emotional turns to come before Stacey makes her temporary departure. The character remains central to several intersecting plotlines, suggesting her exit may bring closure to some long-running tensions or even ignite new dramas in Walford.

Details about how Stacey will leave have been kept tightly under wraps, but the show’s producers are clear on one thing: this isn’t the end. In a statement, a BBC spokesperson confirmed that “the door will be left open” for Stacey’s return whenever Lacey feels ready. It’s a decision that aligns with the show’s long-standing tradition of allowing cherished characters to come and go as real life demands – a nod to the close bond between cast and audience.

Speaking candidly about her break, Lacey shared with The Sun that the time was right for both her and Stacey to rest and recharge. “Who knows what Stacey will get up to in her time away?” she joked, hinting that the unpredictable, spirited nature of her character might carry on even off-screen. She emphasized how much she still loves her job, and how working on EastEnders continues to bring her joy – though she’s reached a point in life where doing what’s best for her family is paramount.

“I really love my job, I always will,” she said. “As you get older you get a bit braver and a bit bolder, and I’m at an age now where I will do what is right for us.”

Fans who have followed Stacey’s journey for the past two decades are bracing themselves for an emotional departure. From her bipolar disorder struggles and complex romantic entanglements to her battles with the law and fierce love for her family, Stacey has been at the heart of many of EastEnders’ most compelling storylines. Her bond with Martin, though often rocky, was a central pillar of her recent years – making his death and her exit feel particularly poignant.