Emotions are running high in EastEnders as long-time fan favourite Stacey Slater appears to be on the verge of a dramatic and heartbreaking exit. The recent confirmation that actress Lacey Turner is taking a break from the soap has sparked an intense wave of speculation — and fans believe they’ve figured out exactly how Stacey will be written out.

After two decades on the show, Lacey Turner is preparing to step back from her iconic role later this year. The beloved star, who recently welcomed her third child, has decided to take time away from Walford to focus on life outside of Albert Square. Though currently appearing in scenes tied to the 40th anniversary and the tragic death of Martin Fowler, her departure is looming — and fans suspect a devastating mental health crisis could be at the centre of Stacey’s storyline.

The trauma of losing Martin, who died shortly after asking Stacey to remarry him, has left her deeply shaken. Despite trying to keep going for the sake of her family, Stacey has been clearly struggling — and next week’s episodes will see the cracks deepen. Her daughter Lily becomes increasingly anxious about her mother’s erratic behaviour, trying desperately to hide it from others. But the burden becomes too much, and soon Stacey’s loved ones start to realise that something isn’t right.

Kat Slater arrives at the house and is immediately alarmed by what she finds. Realising the seriousness of the situation, Kat calls an emergency family meeting. Alfie, Eve, and Suki rally around to support Stacey, and the group discusses the possibility that she may need professional help. The Slaters have weathered many storms together, but the concern now is that Stacey may be experiencing a bipolar episode — a condition she’s battled before, and one that viewers are familiar with from past storylines.

As her condition worsens, Stacey’s behaviour becomes increasingly unpredictable, alarming those closest to her. Kat and Lily, in particular, grow more and more fearful that they’re witnessing the early signs of a serious mental health relapse. The family tries to maintain a united front, offering help and stepping in with childcare, but it’s clear that this is more than a temporary crisis — Stacey may need to leave Walford to get proper treatment and recovery.

Online forums have erupted with theories about Stacey’s upcoming departure. Fans on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) are speculating that Stacey will check into a psychiatric facility for her well-being. One viewer wrote: “Poor Lily. Guessing this marks the proper start of Stacey’s maternity leave – maybe she checks into a psyche ward to get some help?” Another commented: “I think the only way Stacey would ever leave her kids behind is if she had to for her mental health. This feels like the beginning of her exit story.”

Despite the heavy storyline, there is a silver lining: this exit isn’t permanent. An EastEnders spokesperson has reassured fans that Lacey’s break is temporary and that the door is firmly open for her eventual return. They shared that producers are already looking forward to planning Stacey’s comeback whenever Lacey feels ready.

Lacey Turner first joined EastEnders in 2004 as a troubled teenager who moved to Albert Square to live with her great-uncle Charlie and Nan Mo. Over the years, she has become one of the most compelling and emotionally complex characters on the show. From dramatic love affairs and family tragedies to her brave battles with mental illness, Stacey has remained at the heart of the soap’s most powerful storylines.

Her departure, even if brief, will leave a significant void in the Slater family and the wider community. It also sets the stage for potential fallout among her loved ones. How will Lily cope with her mother’s absence? Can Kat and Eve keep the household together? And will this moment of crisis finally allow Stacey to begin healing?

As the storyline unfolds, viewers can expect emotional scenes filled with raw vulnerability and tough decisions. EastEnders continues to tackle mental health with nuance and sensitivity, and Stacey’s journey will no doubt strike a chord with many.

While her exit promises heartache, fans are holding onto the hope that this is not goodbye — just a much-needed pause in a character’s journey that has already spanned over twenty years. Whether it’s months or longer, Stacey Slater’s presence will surely be missed — but her legacy and impact remain firmly rooted in Walford.