EastEnders Stacey Slater’s exit sparks backlash as Lacey Turner takes extended break
Stacey Slater is set to leave Walford for a new life in Brazil this week and EastEnders fans have taken to social media to share their views on Lacey Turner’s exit storyline
EastEnders fans have slammed Stacey Slater’s exit as Lacey Turner takes an extended break from the BBC One soap(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
EastEnders fans have slammed Stacey Slater’s exit as Lacey Turner takes an extended break from the BBC One soap. It was confirmed earlier this year that the actress is temporary leaving Walford after more than 20 years playing the fan favourite character.
Stacey has been at the centre of some huge storylines over the past two decades and she’s planning to move to Brazil with her children after receiving an invitation from her brother Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky) to help run a restaurant.
However, during Tuesday’s (September 30) episode, her former flame Max Branning (Jake Wood) returned to Albert Square but will this change Stacey’s decision to leave?
It was confirmed earlier this year that Lacey is temporary leaving Walford after more than 20 years(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) has already decided she doesn’t want to start a new life in Brazil with her mum and siblings, not wanting her young daughter Charli to grow up without her dad Ricky Branning (Frankie Day) around.
Also, Stacey’s loved ones have been left struggling with the idea of not having her around and fans have been left fuming at the “rushed” storyline.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan penned: “They’ve had months to prepare for Stacey’s exit and we get this mad dash to a waitressing job on another continent. Cliché and contrived, and nothing to do with Stacey’s history or character. #EastEnders.”
Stacey is planning on moving to Brazil with her youngest children(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Another added: “Abysmal, rushed and unrealistic exit storyline for Stacey! She’d never leave Lily. #EastEnders.”
A third social media user said: “Why are they rushing Stacey’s exit may I ask? They’ve had months #EastEnders.”
A fourth person agreed: “I wish Stacey’s exit storyline focused on her MH and her possibly getting sectioned again..”
Speaking about her exit, Lacey explained: “It’s the break that Stacey needs. She’s been through so much and losing Martin [Fowler] has been so hard for her.
Lacey previously said that taking a break from the show will be strange(Image: CREDIT LINE: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
“Walking past his stall everyday is too much. Brazil seems far, but I guess that’s what she needs.”
After joining EastEnders when she was just 16 years old, Lacey previously said that taking a break from the show will be strange.
The soap star returned to EastEnders just weeks after giving birth to her youngest child, Gipsy Olive in January to film the show’s 40th anniversary special episodes.
She may be saying goodbye to EastEnders for now but the door is still open for Lacey return in the future.