EastEnders’ Lacey Turner Addresses Return After BBC Soap Exit — “Stacey’s Story Isn’t Over Yet”

Lacey Turner, the award-winning actress who brought life, heartbreak, and resilience to EastEnders’ beloved character Stacey Slater, has finally spoken out about her recent departure from the BBC soap — and what the future may hold for one of Walford’s most iconic women. After weeks of speculation, fan theories, and emotional goodbyes on-screen, Turner’s candid comments have given fans fresh hope that Stacey’s story might not be finished after all.

In an exclusive interview, Turner reflected on her emotional final scenes, describing them as “one of the hardest goodbyes of my career.” Her exit episode, which aired to millions of viewers, saw Stacey leave Albert Square after a series of devastating setbacks — from her ongoing struggle with mental health to her strained relationship with her daughter Lily and the aftermath of Theo Hawthorne’s obsession storyline. Viewers watched in tears as Stacey walked away from the Square, a small bag slung over her shoulder, turning back one last time to glance at her home on Bridge Street.

“It felt like the end of an era,” Turner admitted. “Stacey’s been part of my life for nearly two decades. Saying goodbye to her, even temporarily, was incredibly emotional. But I always say — never say never in Walford.”

The line “never say never” immediately set social media ablaze. Within minutes of the interview airing, EastEnders fans began trending the hashtag #BringBackStacey, flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with heartfelt tributes and theories about how she could return. One fan wrote, “Stacey Slater is the heart of EastEnders — it won’t be the same without her.” Another posted, “Lacey Turner is too good to stay away for long. She’ll be back — she always comes back.”

Turner first joined EastEnders in 2004, and in the years since, Stacey has become one of the most complex and compelling characters in British soap history. From her fiery relationship with Max Branning to her battle with bipolar disorder, her affair with Martin Fowler, and the shocking murder of Archie Mitchell, Stacey has weathered more drama than most characters could in a lifetime. Turner’s raw, emotional performances have earned her multiple British Soap Awards, including Best Actress and Best Dramatic Performance.

Speaking about her decision to leave, Turner revealed that the choice was both personal and professional. “It just felt like the right time,” she explained. “I’ve grown up on EastEnders — it’s given me everything, both as an actress and as a person. But I also wanted to take a step back, spend time with my family, and explore other creative opportunities. Still, EastEnders will always feel like home.”

Despite her departure, Turner confirmed that her relationship with the show’s producers remains close — and hinted strongly that talks of a potential return have already taken place. “I think Stacey has so much more to give,” she said with a smile. “There are unfinished stories, unresolved relationships, and questions that still need answering. I’d love to come back when the timing’s right.”

Fans of the show will remember that this isn’t the first time Turner has taken a break from EastEnders. She previously left in 2010 after Stacey’s dramatic confession to killing Archie, only to make a triumphant return in 2014. Since then, she’s become one of the soap’s emotional anchors — especially during recent years, which saw Stacey navigating motherhood, trauma, and rebuilding her life after prison.

When asked about how she felt filming her final scenes, Turner confessed that it was “overwhelming.” “Everyone on set was crying,” she said. “I think we all knew it wasn’t goodbye forever, but it still felt like closing a chapter. The cast and crew are like family to me. The EastEnders team create such a safe, creative space — it’s hard to walk away from that.”

In true EastEnders fashion, Stacey’s exit was left open-ended — with her departure raising more questions than answers. Did she really leave for good, or is she hiding something? Executive producer Chris Clenshaw has remained tight-lipped about the storyline, teasing only that Stacey’s journey is “far from over.”

“Lacey Turner is one of the show’s greatest assets,” Clenshaw said in a recent statement. “We adore working with her, and Stacey Slater is a character we’ll always hold close. There’s always a place for her in Walford.”

Turner’s portrayal of Stacey has long resonated with audiences because of her authenticity. Unlike many soap heroines, Stacey has never been perfect — she’s fiery, flawed, impulsive, and deeply human. Over the years, fans have seen her experience every emotion imaginable: love, guilt, rage, grief, and forgiveness. For Turner, that complexity is what makes Stacey so special. “She’s real,” the actress said simply. “She’s not polished or predictable. She makes mistakes, but she owns them. That’s why people relate to her.”

As for what’s next, Turner is keeping busy with new projects — including a leading role in a BBC drama series set to air in 2026. But she insists that EastEnders will always remain part of her DNA. “No matter where I go or what I do, Stacey will always be with me,” she said. “She’s part of who I am.”

For fans, that statement is both comforting and promising. If EastEnders has taught viewers anything, it’s that no one ever truly leaves Walford for good. Characters come and go, but the Square always finds a way to pull them back in — usually at the most dramatic possible moment.

As Turner herself put it best: “In Walford, even when you think you’ve closed the door, someone always opens it again.”

With those words, hopes are higher than ever that Lacey Turner will one day walk back into The Queen Vic — ready to stir up trouble, mend hearts, and remind everyone why Stacey Slater remains one of the most unforgettable characters in British television history.