✅ Star Confirmed to Return: Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater)

• Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater, took maternity leave in February 2025, shortly after giving birth to her third child. Despite the break, she returned just a month later to appear in the live 40th anniversary episode of EastEnders Reddit+15Wikipedia+15The Sun+15

  

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• In May 2025, it was announced that Turner would be leaving the show again later in the year to pursue other opportunities and spend time with family—but importantly, EastEnders made it clear the door would remain open for her to return whenever she chooses Wikipedia.

🧩 What This Means

Lacey Turner is not gone for good—her exit is framed as flexible. While she is stepping back for personal reasons and new projects, producers intend to keep Stacey’s storyline open-ended so the character can come back in the future Wikipedia.

🗣️ Context & Background

• Stacey Slater first debuted in EastEnders in 2014 and has since become one of the show’s most compelling and critically acclaimed characters.

• Turner has previously taken maternity breaks—in August 2019 and April 2021—and returned each time to resume major storylines, including an award-winning postpartum psychosis arc The Sun+15Wikipedia+15Daily News+15.

• Her most recent season-long maternity leave in early 2025 led to her exit announcement in May. However, an official spokesperson confirmed that the character’s departure is not permanent, and that Stacey can return when Turner is ready to reprise the role Wikipedia.

✅ Key Takeaway

• Lacey Turner has confirmed she will be back on EastEnders, though not immediately.

• Her character Stacey Slater is written out with the intention of future returns, rather than a complete farewell.

• Fans can reasonably expect Stacey to reappear down the line, especially if storylines align with upcoming events or family drama in Walford.