EASTENDERS aired FOUR shock exits today with a star quitting Walford after 21 years.

The BBC soap said goodbye to one of the show’s biggest stars as actress Lacey Turner bowed out to go on what has been described as an “extended break”.

Actress Lacey made her Albert Square debut as Stacey Slater in 2004 and has spent 21 years, on-and-off, in Walford.

But earlier this year it was revealed she would be leaving the show.

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 soap insider added: “Lacey made the decision last year to take some time out from the show, she’s had a busy year both on and off screen, so it feels a good time to give Stacey a rest.

“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.”

Viewers watched in today’s episode as Stacey clashed with ex Max Branning before being convinced to leave for a new life in Brazil by daughter Lily.

Lily told her she had to live for herself – and told her to go and be with her brother Sean.

After an emotional goodbye with her eldest daughter, Stacey left the Square, before having the chance to see her mum Jean for one last time.

But she wan’t alone – as daughter Hope and son Arthur went with her for a new life abroad.

Meanwhile, Max also decided to leave the Square after his brief return despite his son Oscar being desperate for him to stay.

He drove off, narrowly missing a bombshell confrontation with Cindy Beale who wants revenge for his effectively killing her son Steven Beale.

Actor Jake Wood is set to return later this year for a permanent stint – meaning there will be an explosive showdown between the pair.