After more than a decade of drama, heartbreak, and fierce resilience, EastEnders fans are bracing

themselves for a major shake-up in Albert Square: Stacey Slater, one of the soap’s most iconic and beloved

characters, is preparing to leave Walford once again. In a plot packed with emotion and unresolved secrets, viewers are left wondering—is this truly the end of the road for Stacey Slater?

Portrayed by Lacey Turner, the fiery and fearless Stacey has been a cornerstone of EastEnders since she first burst onto our screens in 2004. After an initial six-year run filled with groundbreaking storylines—from her bipolar diagnosis to her tumultuous love life—Lacey briefly departed in 2010 before making a triumphant full-time return in 2014. But now, in 2025, EastEnders is poised to say farewell to the Walford veteran once more—though perhaps not forever.

A Tragic Loss Sets the Stage

The seeds of Stacey’s departure were sown earlier this year in an emotionally charged arc that saw the sudden and devastating death of her ex-husband, Martin Fowler. Played by James Bye, Martin perished in a fiery explosion at the Queen Vic in February—a shock twist that sent ripples through the Square and left Stacey emotionally shattered.

In a hauntingly poignant final scene, Martin declared Stacey as his “true love” just moments before the explosion claimed his life. His unexpected confession, coupled with the violent and traumatic circumstances of his death, left Stacey spiraling. Unable to process her grief, she withdrew entirely from her family—retreating to the upstairs bedroom of the Slater household and barely emerging.

Her emotional breakdown has created visible fractures within the Slater family. Most affected is her eldest daughter, Lily, who has voiced growing feelings of abandonment as Stacey remains emotionally and physically unavailable. The sense of familial unraveling has deepened the impact of Martin’s death—not just on Stacey herself, but on the loved ones she’s left to care for.

Offscreen Absence Fuels Exit Rumors

Fans have noticed that Stacey has been increasingly absent from key scenes. This is no coincidence—Lacey Turner, now 37, is currently on maternity leave following the birth of her third child, Gypsy Olive, with husband Matt Kay. The couple also share two other children, Trilby Fox, 5, and Dusty Violet, 3.

To accommodate Lacey’s leave, EastEnders has cleverly written around Stacey’s on-screen disappearance. But that temporary absence sparked rumors of a more permanent goodbye. Speculation swirled until earlier this month, when BBC bosses finally confirmed what many had suspected: Lacey Turner is stepping away from EastEnders.

BBC Confirms Exit — But Leaves Door Wide Open

A BBC spokesperson addressed the departure with cautious optimism.

“We can confirm that Lacey will be offscreen later this year,” they said. “But there is plenty more drama to come beforehand. We look forward to planning Stacey’s return when Lacey decides the time is right.”

This statement offers a glimmer of hope to long-time fans. The exit is not permanent—at least not yet. Sources within the show emphasize that the storyline team is already laying the groundwork for Stacey’s eventual reintroduction to the Square, whenever that may be.

Still, some fans aren’t quite convinced. On social media, viewers have pointed to other EastEnders characters who took “temporary” exits that stretched far longer than anticipated—such as Shirley Carter (Linda Henry), who hasn’t been seen on the show since 2022.

“Okay, so Lacey Turner isn’t actually leaving EastEnders for good. She’s just taking an extended break, so she’ll be back,” posted one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “I’m not worrying… unless it’s a Linda Henry-type of ‘extended’ break.”

Lacey Speaks Out: “It’s Time for Stacey and Me to Rest”

Lacey herself has addressed her departure, speaking candidly to The Sun about her decision to take time off.

“It’s time for myself and Stacey to take a rest,” she revealed. “And who knows what Stacey will get up to in her time away? Knowing her, it will never be boring.”

The actress also spoke reflectively about her relationship with the show and how motherhood has reshaped her priorities.

“For now, I’m really happy and it works. I just sort of take each day as it comes,” she said. “I think as any working person, you weigh up your options and do what’s best for your family. That may change as the kids grow. If something doesn’t work, then you change it.”

“I really love my job—I always will. But 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.”

What’s Next for Stacey—and for EastEnders?

As Stacey Slater’s time on-screen draws to a temporary close, fans are left with more questions than answers. Will she finally find peace after Martin’s tragic death? Can she reconnect with her children and rebuild the fractured Slater family? Or will her grief push her into a darker, more unpredictable direction?

With EastEnders promising “plenty more drama” before her departure, viewers can expect a turbulent and emotionally charged farewell. Given Stacey’s rich history of dramatic exits—she’s fled the Square under the cover of darkness before—it’s likely her next chapter will be no less intense.

Whatever direction the writers take, one thing is clear: Stacey Slater’s absence will be deeply felt in Walford. Few characters have embodied the emotional core of EastEnders quite like her—brimming with heart, defiance, and vulnerability in equal measure.

And while this may not be the end, it certainly feels like the closing of a significant chapter in the life of an East End legend.

Stay tuned to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for upcoming episodes of EastEnders as Stacey Slater’s dramatic exit storyline unfolds.