Lacey Turner's BBC EastEnders exit revealed as Stacey Slater star 'takes break'

An star has confirmed she's taking a break from the show. , who recently reprised her role as Stacey Slater on the soap after going on maternity leave, is set to be off-screen later this year.

It's been announced that Lacey, 37, will be off-screen later this year to focus on opportunities away from the show, which she first joined in 2004. Lacey 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 source told the outlet that Lacey made the decision to take "some time out" from EastEnders last year. They added that if "feels a good time" to give Stacey "a rest" as Lacey has had a "busy year" on and off screen. The source teased: "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."

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An EastEnders spokesperson confirmed to the outlet that Lacey will be off-screen later this year but promised "plenty of more drama" to come before she leaves. They added that those behind the show will look forward to "planning Stacey's return" when cast member Lacey "decides the time is right".

The news comes just months after the show's 40th anniversary celebrations in which Lacey had a central role. She returned from maternity leave for the live episode, in which her character's love interest Martin Fowler - played by - was killed off after an explosion at the Queen Vic. Several scenes in the live episode featured Stacey and Martin together before he died from his injuries with her by his side.

Lacey to her youngest child Gipsy, now three months old, back in January. Her family also includes older children Dusty, five, and Trilby, four, whom she also shares with her husband Matt Kay.

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