The emotional weight of recent storylines in EastEnders has been intensified by the news that one of the show’s most beloved characters, Stacey Slater, will soon be off-screen—once again portrayed by long-time cast member Lacey Turner. As her on-screen world crumbles following the death of Martin Fowler, fans are also preparing for her temporary departure in real life. But is this truly goodbye, or merely a pause in a long-running journey?

Recent scenes in EastEnders have shown Stacey deeply affected by the loss of Martin. The tragedy has left her emotionally fractured, causing significant tension in the Slater household. She has isolated herself, locking herself away upstairs, barely able to function. Her eldest daughter, Lily, has started to feel the sting of emotional abandonment, unsure how to navigate life without her mum’s support during this devastating time.

While the grief of Stacey is a powerful narrative in itself, it also serves a dual purpose—facilitating Lacey Turner’s maternity leave. Earlier this year, the actress welcomed her third child, a baby girl named Gipsy Olive, with husband Matt Kay. The couple already shares two other young children: Trilby Fox, aged 5, and Dusty Violet, 3. Understandably, Lacey has chosen to step back from her demanding role to focus on her growing family.

Despite her exit, BBC bosses have made it clear that this isn’t the end of Stacey Slater—not by a long shot. A spokesperson for the soap confirmed:
“We can confirm that Lacey will be off-screen later this year. But there is plenty more drama to come beforehand, and we will look forward to planning Stacey’s return when Lacey decides the time is right.”

This reassurance has somewhat comforted fans, although speculation remains high about how long her absence will last. Some viewers fear a prolonged break similar to that of actress Linda Henry, who played Shirley Carter and has not been seen on-screen since 2022. Others, however, are choosing optimism, clinging to the hope that Stacey will reappear sooner rather than later.

Stacey’s upcoming exit is reportedly being handled with care by the show’s writers, who promise a lot more drama before she steps away. BBC has not revealed the exact details of her exit storyline, keeping viewers on edge as speculation swirls. Will Stacey simply slip away to grieve in solitude, or will a major twist force her out of Walford?

Speaking about her time on the show and her decision to take a break, Lacey told The Sun:
“It’s time for myself and Stacey to take a rest, and who knows what Stacey will get up to in her time away? Knowing Stacey, it will never be boring.”

This light-hearted reflection hints that her departure may be written in a way that leaves the door wide open for future mischief, chaos, or even redemption—classic Stacey fare.

Lacey Turner, who joined EastEnders in 2004, has played Stacey Slater through a whirlwind of dramatic arcs—from mental health battles to murder trials and romantic turmoil. Her raw, powerful performances have earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. So any break, even temporary, feels like a significant loss for the soap.

Thankfully, Lacey’s own outlook on her future remains grounded and reassuring. She explained that while she’s very happy at EastEnders right now, she’s also mindful of what works best for her and her family.
“I just sort of take each day as it comes. I think as any working person, you weigh up your options, and I do what is best for us really.”
She added that circumstances change and that she’s not afraid to make bold choices as she grows both professionally and personally.

“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. I really love my job, I always will.”

These candid remarks further solidify that while Lacey is stepping away for now, her love for the show—and her character—has not wavered. It’s not a farewell, but a pause. One she hopes will allow her to return recharged and ready for even more intense storylines.

So what’s next for Stacey Slater in the short term? Fans can expect her grief journey to take center stage as the show builds toward her temporary exit. She’s likely to face some harsh truths, difficult confrontations with family, and perhaps even a moment of self-destruction. But in true Stacey fashion, her departure will not be without impact—either emotionally or narratively.

As the show prepares for this bittersweet goodbye, viewers are bracing themselves for one of the soap’s most gut-wrenching departures of the year. Whether Stacey walks away quietly or in a dramatic blaze of emotion, one thing is certain: EastEnders won’t be the same without her.

For now, fans are left with a mix of sorrow and hope. While Lacey Turner may be off-screen soon, the door to Albert Square remains firmly open—and Stacey Slater’s return feels more like a promise than a question.