EastEnders star Lacey Turner has broken her silence after Stacey Slater’s exit as she teased that she’ll be ‘back in a minute’.

Scenes aired on Thursday (October 2) saw Stacey go through with her decision to move to Brazil to live with her brother Sean Slater.

The fan favourite character was torn between staying with her family or moving away from Walford amid the constant reminders of her late former husband Martin Fowler.

Fans were stunned that it was the return of Max Branning that made up Stacey’s mind after she saw him sharing a kiss with her cousin Zoe Slater.

The exit storyline ended with Stacey leaving Albert Square in a taxi with her youngest kids Hope and Arthur, leaving behind her mum Jean, eldest child Lily and her granddaughter Charli.

Some fans are adamant that it’s not a permanent exit, with Lacey not receiving Julia’s Theme, the outro music reserved when an actor is gone for good.

A video shared to EastEnders social media page shortly after the episode concludes, showcased the aftermath of when Lacey completed her final scenes.

Breaking into tears after receiving a round of applause from her colleagues, Lacey said: “I’ll keep it short because I hate these things… I will be back in a minute.

“Thank you, thank you everyone. I am coming back, I won’t be long. I can’t do speeches but thank you. I love you all very much and it’s a special place to work.”

The comments section of the post saw fans of the programme congratulating Lacey on her work this year and wishing her the best on her break.

@Debbie8t5 said on X: “Lacey has turned Stacey Slater into as big an icon as Dot Cotton or Pat Butcher. I hope she returns soon. Good luck Lacey!” @awittywizard added: “I’m really glad she didn’t get an overly dramatic exit. I just want to fast forward to her return though.”

@WhovianLife said: “I’m already missing her, rooting for her return in perhaps 2026 somewhere! EastEnders wont be the same without her!! #EastEnders.” @Debs_1982 posted: “Already missing Stacey, but absolutely wish Lacey such a lovely well earned break.”

@RyanSoapKing25 commented: “Thank you Lacey Turner for bringing Stacey Slater to life once again since her return from prison. You’re a credit to #EastEnders – the awards speak for themselves and are so well deserved. Have a well rested break and we’ll see you very soon. Don’t be a stranger.” @mishybabez_ stated: “Enjoy your break Lacey we’ll miss you.”

Away from the soap, Lacey shares two daughters, Dusty and Gipsy, and son Trilby with her husband Matt Kay, who she married back in 2017.

Welcoming Gipsy into the world in January, Lacey was back in work the following month for EastEnders 40th anniversary live episode.