In a poignant intersection of on-screen heartbreak and off-screen resilience, EastEnders fan-favourite

Lacey Turner has finally opened up following the devastating loss of Martin Fowler — her character Stacey

Slater’s longtime love — in one of the most tragic storylines to hit Albert Square. As EastEnders marked its dramatic 40th anniversary earlier this year, the beloved BBC soap delivered a gut-wrenching twist with Martin’s untimely death, leaving Stacey – and viewers – shattered.

But as her character grapples with grief and uncertainty, Lacey herself faces a different kind of reality. Away from the cameras, the acclaimed actress is navigating the challenges of motherhood in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis — a balancing act that echoes the everyday struggles of millions across the UK.

A Tragic Farewell: Martin Fowler’s Emotional Exit

The soap world was rocked when Martin Fowler, portrayed by James Bye, met a devastating end in February during the Queen Vic explosion – a pivotal moment created to commemorate the show’s four-decade legacy. In a harrowing sequence, Martin was trapped beneath a collapsed beam following the explosion, his injuries severe but his spirit unbroken.

As paramedics rushed to free him, Martin shared an emotional final exchange with Stacey. In a heart-wrenching moment, the two envisioned a future that would never come to be — rekindling dreams of remarriage, stability, and raising their children together. But fate had other plans. Just as the beam was finally lifted and hope flickered in Stacey’s tear-filled eyes, Martin succumbed to crush syndrome — a fatal complication of his injuries — and died moments later.

The scene stunned audiences and left Stacey devastated, her grief playing out with raw authenticity that has since drawn praise across social media and soap columns alike.

Stacey Slater: A Woman Shattered, Yet Still Standing

Lacey Turner’s portrayal of Stacey Slater has always been one of the emotional backbones of EastEnders. Fiercely loyal, impulsive, and unbreakably strong, Stacey has endured mental health battles, tumultuous romances, and fierce motherhood — but the death of Martin marks one of the most profound losses in her story arc.

For long-time fans, Stacey and Martin represented a rare constant in the ever-dramatic world of Walford. Their connection — messy, real, and passionate — made their storyline all the more heartbreaking. Now, viewers are left wondering: what’s next for Stacey Slater? And will she ever recover from losing the love of her life?

Lacey Turner Speaks: Navigating Grief On and Off Screen

In a recent interview, Lacey Turner addressed her future on EastEnders, revealing that while Stacey is navigating heartbreak on-screen, she herself is managing the trials of motherhood in an increasingly difficult economic climate.

A mother to three young children — Dusty (born 2019), Trilby (2021), and baby Gypsy Olive, born earlier this year — Lacey juggles an intense filming schedule with the demands of raising a young family. And though it’s no small feat, she says the structure of her EastEnders role allows her to strike a delicate balance.

“For now, I’m really happy and it works,” Lacey shared. “I just sort of take each day as it comes. Like any working parent, you weigh up your options. I do what is best for us — for my family.”

Despite the chaos of work and motherhood, Lacey remains grateful for her role on the iconic show. “I love my job — I always will. As you get older, you get a bit braver, a bit bolder. And I’m at an age now where I’ll always do what’s right for us.”

Yet, she admits that if the job ever conflicted with her children’s wellbeing, she wouldn’t hesitate to walk away.

“If it didn’t work for us, I’d change it. But right now, it does. I’m still a mum, even when I’m at work. Parenting doesn’t end when you leave the house.”

Parenting Amid a Cost-of-Living Crisis

Away from the glamour of red carpets and primetime scripts, Lacey Turner is refreshingly candid about the financial pressures families face today. Speaking openly, she acknowledged that even those in the entertainment industry aren’t immune to the tightening grip of the UK’s economic climate.

“Being a parent is expensive. And regardless of your job — whether you’re an actress, a broker, a hairdresser — you still face challenges,” she said.

Reflecting on her journey into motherhood, Lacey recalled the overwhelming list of “essentials” marketed to new parents.

“Even before I had Dusty, I remember thinking how long the list of things was that you supposedly need to raise a child. But really, how much of it do you actually need? Not as much as people make you think.”

She also spoke passionately against the judgment that so often plagues working mothers.

“The world we live in today is so judgmental. Everyone is so quick to shame. Life is hard enough without piling more on, especially for parents. You don’t know someone’s situation — you might think you know, because our lives are so visible online, but unless you truly know someone, how can you judge?”

What’s Next for Lacey — and Stacey?

As EastEnders moves into its next chapter, Stacey Slater will undoubtedly face new challenges. The death of Martin has reset her world, leaving her to navigate grief, single parenthood, and perhaps a future she never envisioned.

For Lacey Turner, however, the path forward is clear — family comes first. Her love for acting remains unshaken, but it’s clear that her deepest loyalty lies at home.

“I do my best. We all do. That’s all you can do as a parent,” she said.

And while Stacey may continue to battle the stormy dramas of Albert Square, Lacey Turner faces her own version of resilience — with honesty, strength, and an unwavering dedication to her children.

As life imitates art, fans are reminded that even their favourite stars walk a delicate line between personal duty and public spotlight. Whether grieving a fictional soulmate or budgeting for the school run, Lacey Turner is every bit the role model her character so often strives to be — flawed, fierce, and profoundly human.