EastEnders favourite Lacey Turner has been on our screens for over two decades as the legendary Stacey Slater.

The actress, 37, joined the show in 2004 and departed six years later. She then returned permanently in 2014.

In episodes that are currently airing, Stacey is struggling with the grief felt for ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye), who died as a result of an explosion at The Queen Vic in February.

In the moments prior to his death, he confessed that she was his true love.

The passing has subsequently caused a rift within the Slater household, with Stacey locking herself away upstairs and eldest daughter Lily (Lillia Turner) feeling abandoned by her mother.

To facilitate Lacey’s maternity leave, she is off-screen for a lot of scenes that concern her.

Earlier this year she gave birth to a baby daughter named Gipsy Olive with husband Matt Kay. The couple share another two children, Trilby Fox, 5, and Dusty Violet, 3.

But is she set to exit the soap altogether?

Is Lacey Turner leaving EastEnders for good?

It was confirmed earlier this month that Lacey is departing EastEnders once again.

While BBC bosses are keeping tight-lipped about her exit storyline, they have said that there’s a lot more to come for Stacey in the months leading up to her exit.

A spokesperson confirmed that the door would be left open for the much-loved Walford local to return one day.

‘We can confirm that Lacey will be off-screen later this year’ they said.

‘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.’

While it has been said that the story team are ready to plan her reintroduction, some fans believe she could be away a while longer than expected.

‘Ok so Lacey Turner isn’t actually leaving #EastEnders for good – she’s just taking an extended break. So she’ll be back. I’m not worrying. Unless it’s a Linda Henry type of extended break’ said one fan on X.

This is, of course, referring to the Shirley Carter star who hasn’t been seen in The Square since 2022.

Speaking of her exit, 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.’

The news comes just days after she confirmed to the same publication that she was content with her work.

‘For now I’m really happy [being in EastEnders], and it works. 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 said.

That may change as they change, as they grow. If something doesn’t work, then you change it. I personally do my best and we do our best and that works. All people are different and you’ve got to do what works best for you.”

‘I really love my job, I will always do. 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.’