Fans of EastEnders have predicted how Stacey Slater will exit the soap, with actress Lacey Turner leaving in the upcoming weeks. This comes as star Lacey cut short her maternity leave to return for EastEnders 40th anniversary and Martin’s subsequent funeral – but will soon be leaving again.

But how will Stacey leave Walford?

EastEnders fans predict Stacey to take the blame for stall fire

Earlier this week, Stacey was horrified to learn that Lily had been responsible for burning down Martin’s stall. Lily had tried to blame Ruby, but a bottle found at the scene linked the crime to her.

Ruby agreed to keep schtum about Lily’s involvement, but someone has to take accountability for the crime. And some have wondered whether Stacey might take the rap for the fire – confirming a theory that a stint in jail beckons.

“This is how Stacey goes away isn’t it. She’ll take the blame for Lily so Lily forgives her,” wrote one fan on Reddit.

“Would Lily really set fire to her dead dad’s stall? I’m not buying it, just seems like a reason to write Lacey out for maternity,” said another, over on X.

“I’m so happy that I was right but I’m annoyed that this is how it will ruin Stacey and lily’s relationship because the writers decided that it should be lily that sets Martin’s stall on fire just so Stacey can have a exit for mat leave,” another agreed.

Why is Stacey leaving EastEnders – and will she be back?

Actress Lacey Turner recently welcomed her third child, daughter Gipsy Olive, at the start of the year. Soon after giving birth, Lacey returned to the soap to take part in its 40th anniversary celebrations, getting Martin killed in the process.

Full of grief and guilt, Stacey then left Walford to spend some time with her brother Sean. She returned last week as the Square gathered for Martin’s funeral – a drunken, grief-stricken mess.

With Lacey taking extended maternity leave, that means that Stacey won’t be around for much longer. But how will she exit the soap?

They play mother and daughter Stacey and Lily Slater on EastEnders, and even share a last name – but are stars Lacey and Lillia Turner related in real life?

Lacey, 37, has played Slater matriarch Stacey on the soap since 2004, quickly becoming one of its most beloved characters. In 2010, she welcomed daughter Lily, born of her fling with Ryan Malloy.

The pair have been at the heart of this week’s stories, as Stacey learned that it was Lily who started the fire on Martin’s stall – burning the Walford landmark to the ground in a fit of spite. During these scenes, fans have noticed a family resemblance between mother and daughter, leading some to wonder whether Lacey and Lillia Turner are related in real life.

Are EastEnders stars Lacey and Lillia Turner related?

No, Lacey and Lillia are not related in real life. It’s a complete coincidence that the actresses share their surname. Good casting on the BBC’s part in finding a young actress who resembles her screen mum, too.

However, Lacey does have a sister who appeared on the soap – Lily Harvey, who played Shenice Quinn on the soap between 2011 and 2012. How’s that for a coincidence!

EastEnders fans full of praise for Lillia Turner

As this week’s episodes have unfolded, fans have been full of praise for the teenage star and her performance as Lily.

“After the performance this week Lillia Turner (Lily) deserves all the Young Actor Awards,” wrote one viewer on Reddit.

“She really is a brilliant actress – and one of the few members of the teen cast who is playing (almost) true to age,” said another.

A third agreed: “She’s fantastic, character is spot on for a tee