EASTENDERS star Gillian Wright has addressed Lacey Turner’s future on the soap – after the star quit as Stacey Slater.
Gillian, 65, has played Stacey’s mum Jean Slater opposite Lacey for over two decades.
Gillian Wright shared an update on EastEnders co-star Lacey Turner’s future[/caption]
Lacey will be bowing out as her iconic character Stacey Slater[/caption]
Gillian has worked opposite Lacey since 2004[/caption]
Earlier this year, The Sun exclusively revealed Lacey would be bowing out of the BBC soap.
She originally played Stacey from 2004 to 2010, before returning from 2014 onwards.
Speaking to Inside Soap, Gillian shared: “Everyone asks if I feel sad, and I don’t – I applaud her for taking a step back and reuniting herself with her family.
“There was a period of eight years where Lacey was on the show without me and vice versa, so we’re used to it, and I think we’re both very good at keeping each other present in our on-screen lives.
“It’s not like the character will be forgotten and I’m sure we’ll see her back at some point. Lacey deserves this, she’s worked really hard.”
Lacey previously 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.”
The Sun previously told how Lacey revealed a huge clue she was set to quit EastEnders.
The actress hinted at her exit by saying: “I think as any working person, you weigh up your options and I do what is best for us really.
“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.
“I really love my job, I will always do.
Stacey Slater’s biggest EastEnders storylines
Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner, is one of the most iconic characters on EastEnders. Since her introduction in 2004, Stacey has been at the center of some of the soap’s most memorable and gripping storylines. Here’s a rundown of a few.
- Mental Health Struggles and Bipolar Diagnosis (2009)
Stacey’s battle with bipolar disorder was one of the soap’s groundbreaking storylines. Her erratic behavior, mood swings, and hallucinations led to her eventual diagnosis, highlighting the challenges of living with mental illness. - Stacey and Max Branning’s Affair (2007)
One of the most explosive storylines in the soap’s history involved Stacey’s affair with her father-in-law, Max Branning. Stacey was married to Max’s son Bradley at the time, and their affair was exposed in dramatic fashion on Christmas Day when a recording of their tryst was played to the entire family. - The Murder of Archie Mitchell (2009)
After a widespread hunt for Archie’s killer EastEnders fans eventually discovered Stacey was responsible for his death. She murdered him on Christmas day after he raped her. When she confessed her crime to Max Branning, the couple got closer. - Postpartum Psychosis (2016)
After the birth of her son Arthur, Stacey suffered from postpartum psychosis. She struggled with delusions and became paranoid, believing that the devil was trying to harm her child. Her breakdown was a pivotal moment that brought her close to her family and helped educate the public about this serious mental health condition. - Stacey’s Imprisonment (2021)
Stacey faced imprisonment after being falsely accused of attacking her one time best friend, Ruby Allen. This plotline saw Stacey having to leave her family behind while she served time. - Lily’s Pregnancy and Becoming a Grandmother (2023)
A recent major storyline saw Stacey grappling with the shock of her 12-year-old daughter Lily becoming pregnant. This brought new challenges and responsibilities for Stacey as she tried to face becoming a grandmother while still dealing with her own struggles.
“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.”
Stacey tragically lost ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye) in the Queen Vic explosion earlier this year.
Meanwhile, she and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) spent weeks hiding from Kat that Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) had resurfaced.
Off-screen, Lacey launched the podcast We Started Here, where she chats to other soap actors.
The character of Stacey first appeared in 2004[/caption]
Lacey has three children with husband Matt Kay[/caption]