Lacey Turner Steps Away From the Spotlight

Walford is bracing for change as EastEnders star Lacey Turner prepares to take a break from the soap. Turner, who has played Stacey Slater since 2004, is one of the most iconic faces of the Square. With nearly 2,000 episodes under her belt and a collection of National Television and British Soap Awards to her name, her absence is bound to leave a hole in the show’s core storytelling.

In a recent statement, Turner revealed that both she and her character needed some time away. For years, Stacey has carried some of EastEnders’ heaviest plots — from mental health struggles to complicated romances and tense family feuds. Now, with her exit looming, fans are desperate to know what Stacey’s departure will mean for Walford.

Stacey Slater’s Latest Turmoil

Stacey’s storyline has reached a boiling point. She was recently seen waiting in the hospital after Zoe Slater was shot during a violent confrontation involving Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati. As if the worry about Zoe wasn’t enough, Stacey stumbled across a shocking truth — Zoe has been having an affair with Max Branning.

The revelation has reopened old wounds. Stacey once shared a relationship with Max herself, and her history with the Brannings has always been complicated. Confiding in her mother, Jean, she admitted that returning to Walford and reliving her painful memories has become overwhelming, especially since losing Martin Fowler. The grief, the betrayal, and the chaos around her are driving Stacey toward a breaking point.

Her inner conflict is clear. She wants to stay strong for her children, but the weight of her family drama makes her consider running away from it all. Fans now wonder if her exit will be a choice to escape, a chance to start fresh, or a breakdown that forces her hand.

The Emotional Fallout of Zoe and Max’s Affair

The affair between Zoe and Max has shaken Stacey’s fragile stability. Her trust in family members has been destroyed once again. Who can she lean on? Who can she believe? These questions sit heavy on her as she weighs her options.

Stacey has never had easy relationships within her family. Her bond with Jean is close, yet often turbulent. Her connection with the Brannings has always been messy and destructive. This new revelation leaves Stacey reeling, uncertain whether to confront Max directly or shield her children from the growing scandal. Either way, the decision will have lasting consequences for everyone around her.

Exit Speculation – What’s Next for Stacey?

As Lacey Turner’s break approaches, speculation intensifies. Will Stacey’s departure be temporary, setting her up for a dramatic comeback later? Or will it be written as a more permanent goodbye?

Some fans believe she will flee Walford to protect her children and find peace away from the toxic cycle of betrayal. Others think she may stay long enough to confront Max, unleashing a fiery showdown before leaving. No matter how the writers choose to handle it, Stacey’s exit will shake the Slaters — and the Brannings — to their core.

The Future of Walford Without Stacey

Stacey Slater has been the heartbeat of many EastEnders storylines. Her departure, even if temporary, will alter the dynamic of Walford. Viewers will feel her absence in the Slater family, at the heart of the Square, and in the drama that often revolves around her.

The only certainty is that her exit won’t be quiet. Stacey’s choices in the coming weeks will create ripple effects across Walford, setting up more heartbreak, confrontations, and fallout for those she leaves behind. Fans should prepare for emotional goodbyes, shocking revelations, and a storyline that will keep everyone talking long after she’s gone.