Lacey Turner, 37, announces exit from BBC EastEnders as she issues statement over soap future: ‘Time to take a rest’
EastEnders star Lacey Turner has announced she will be leaving the BBC soap later this year, with the actress confirming she needs a break from her role as Stacey Slater.
The news comes just months after Turner returned to screens for the soap’s 40th anniversary live episode in February.
Bosses have promised fans there will be “plenty of drama” before her character departs Albert Square.
The 37-year-old, who has played the character since 2004, 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.”
An EastEnders spokesperson confirmed: “We can confirm that Lacey will be off-screen later this year, 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.”
A soap insider revealed that Turner made the decision last year to step away from the show.
“Lacey made the decision last year to take some time out from the show, she’s had a busy year both on and off screen, so it feels a good time to give Stacey a rest,” the source said.
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“Lacey loves EastEnders, and it’s no secret how much EastEnders love Lacey, so it’s not a question of if she will be back, but when.”
Turner made a brief return from maternity leave in February to feature in the soap’s 40th anniversary live episode, which saw her character’s husband Martin Fowler tragically killed in the Queen Vic explosion.
In heartbreaking scenes, Martin proposed to Stacey and planned their next 40 years together before paramedics revealed he would likely not survive his injuries.
Stacey was unable to tell Martin what was happening, but he realised and died in her arms.
Speaking on the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast, Turner admitted: “It was hard because James and I are really close, like brother and sister. I felt like he had died – every tear that came out of my eye was genuine sadness.”
Turner’s departure comes as she focuses on family life with her documentary maker husband Matt Kay and their three children.
The couple welcomed their youngest daughter, Gipsy Olive, in January this year, just weeks before Turner’s return for the anniversary episode.
They are also parents to five-year-old daughter Dusty Violet and three-year-old son Trilby Fox.
In recent interviews, Turner has opened up about the challenges of motherhood and parenting during the cost of living crisis.
“Being a parent is one of the most amazing things that can happen to those lucky enough to be parents,” she told The Sun.
Fans have taken to social media to express their dismay at the news of Turner’s departure.
“First Martin now Stacey! Gutted,” wrote one viewer on X, formerly Twitter.
Another lamented: “Stacey leaving so soon after them killing Martin off is so cruel. Why couldn’t they have had them leave together?”
“Lacey Turner has announced she’s leaving EastEnders. I actually can’t cope with this news,” added a third fan.
Others were equally emotional, with one posting: “LACEY!!!! Nooooooooo,” while another commented: “Devastated Lacey is leaving EastEnders. I know she’s going to go onto great things but will really miss Stacey.” (sic)
Turner has become a household name during her nearly 21-year stint on Albert Square, appearing in almost 2,000 episodes of the BBC soap.
Her portrayal of Stacey Slater has earned her critical acclaim, including four National Television Awards and six British Soap Awards.
Turner first joined the cast in 2004 and, after departing in 2010, returned to the role in 2014.
The actress recently told Giovanna Fletcher that she prefers working during pregnancy over staying at home.
“I think it is actually harder being at home! At work you sit down, your tea is hot, you can go to the toilet on your own, so actually, it is easier,” she admitted.