EastEnders icon Lacey Turner to leave BBC soap in 2025

Lacey Turner has played the role of Stacey Slater since first joining the EastEnders cast back in 2004.

The 34-year-old has been on maternity leave, meaning she has been absent from some recent episodes.

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Despite this, she has still made several appearances, including in February's live episode, which marked the 40th anniversary of EastEnders.

Lacey Turner to "take a rest" from EastEnders after 21 years

But now Lacey has revealed she will be leaving EastEnders at the end of 2025 to focus on life and opportunities away from the BBC soap.

Speaking to The Sun, she said: “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."

Lacey Turner (pictured left) first appeared on EastEnders back in 2004. (Image: BBC)

"More drama" coming before EastEnders star's departure

An EastEnders spokesperson has confirmed Turner's departure from the show later this year.

However, they revealed there is "more drama" coming before that.

The spokesperson said: "We can confirm that Lacey will be off-screen later this year, but there is plenty of more drama to come beforehand.

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This may not be the last time we see Turner and her character Stacey Slater on screens, according to the EastEnders spokesperson.

They added: "We will look forward to planning Stacey’s return when Lacey decides the time is right.”

What is your favourite Lacey Turner/Stacey Slater moment from EastEnders? Let us know in the comments below.