EASTENDERS fans are fearing the worst as rumours swirl of a massive cast shake-up – with five Albert Square favourites tipped for the chop following Stacey Slater’s shock departure.

Viewers reckon a major clear-out is on the cards, and are convinced the BBC soap is gearing up for a brutal mass cull that could change Walford forever.

EastEnders legend Lacey Turner has revealed that she is leaving the soap later this year.

The actress, 37, who plays Stacey Slater on the show, will be off screens later this year to focus on life and opportunities outside of Walford, but bosses promise that there is lots of drama to come for her character beforehand.

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.”

A soap insider said: “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.

“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.”

An EastEnders spokeswoman said: “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.”

With Stacey being such a major part in the Slater household, with three kids and one grandchild to feed, fans are expecting more exits on the way.

Taking to Reddit, one fan wrote: “Stacey is a character who is at the forefront of the show and her exit will impact the show in so many ways.

“Firstly, it means that the kids will all likely be axed too and this means that we will probably miss out on some essential character development for them, especially with Lily who only recently began to blossom as a character. I am gutted if she goes too but it looks likely.

“That also means that if Stacey does return, we could see a Lily recast again. Also, it affects the whole Slater family including the likes of Jean.

“What is left for Jean once the Harvey stuff has blown over and her daughter and grandkids have gone?”

Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) has been struggling with the death of her stepdad Martin Fowler (James Bye) and ended up missing his funeral and torching his stall on fire.

But how will she cope with her mum Stacey leaving the Square? What does this mean for her baby Charli and Stacey’s other children Hope and Arthur?

Meanwhile, Stacey mum’s Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) is engaged to Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman).

However, she is currently unware that he is cheating on her and having an affair with her friend Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth).

Will Jean leave with Stacey when she finds out?

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.