After decades of heartbreak, resilience, and unforgettable drama, EastEnders fans are bracing for a major shake-up in Walford: Stacey Slater, one of the Square’s most iconic characters, is stepping away from the chaos—but is it for good?

In recent episodes, Stacey has been gripped by overwhelming grief following the tragic death of her ex-husband Martin Fowler. The loss came after a shocking explosion at the Queen Vic in February, a twist that not only rocked the community but completely devastated Stacey’s emotional foundation. In a heartbreaking moment just before his death, Martin admitted that Stacey was the true love of his life. The weight of that confession—combined with the brutality of his sudden passing—has left Stacey spiraling, emotionally isolated and consumed by sorrow.

Within the Slater household, the fallout has been hard to ignore. Stacey, usually a source of strength and fire for her family, has withdrawn entirely, locking herself in her room and shutting out the world. Her eldest daughter, Lily, feels abandoned and confused, unable to reach the mother who once held their household together. The emotional void is growing, leaving family and fans wondering just how far Stacey’s grief will take her—and whether it will push her to leave Walford for good.

The real-life reason behind Stacey’s reduced screen time is Lacey Turner’s maternity leave. The actress recently gave birth to a baby girl named Gypsy Olive with her husband, Matt Kay. The couple are also parents to two other young children: Trilby Fox and Dusty Violet. While her family life blossoms, her on-screen presence has understandably diminished. But it’s the confirmation from the BBC that’s set the fandom buzzing: Lacey Turner will be leaving EastEnders later this year.

While this isn’t the first time Lacey has taken a break from the soap—she initially left in 2010 and returned permanently in 2014—this latest exit has prompted deeper questions about the character’s future. BBC bosses have confirmed the departure but were clear that the door would be left wide open for her return. “There’s plenty of drama still to come for Stacey,” they teased, “and we look forward to planning her return when Lacey decides the time is right.”

Still, some fans remain skeptical. On social media, concerns swirl that Stacey’s absence could be longer than anticipated. One fan on X commented, “Okay, so Lacey isn’t leaving for good… but I’m not relaxing unless this doesn’t turn into a Linda Henry situation.” That reference points to Shirley Carter, another beloved character who mysteriously disappeared from the show in 2022 and has yet to return.

In a recent interview with The Sun, Lacey shed more light on her departure, making it clear that this is less a final farewell and more a much-needed pause—for both herself and her character. “It’s time for myself and Stacey to take a rest,” she shared. “And who knows what Stacey will get up to in her time away. Knowing her, it will never be boring.”

While she hasn’t given specifics about how long she’ll be off-screen, Lacey emphasized her love for the show and her deep connection to the role. “I really love my job. I always will,” she said. “But as you get older, you get a bit braver and bolder. I’m at an age now where I’ll do what is right for us.”

This break, she suggests, is about balance—something that every working parent can relate to. Lacey explained that she takes life day by day, always striving to do what’s best for her family. If something stops working, she changes it. That fluid, flexible approach to life and career is what guides her choices now.

So what does this mean for Stacey’s future on EastEnders? For now, it means a period of mourning, reflection, and potential transformation. Stacey may leave Walford temporarily, but her presence will never fully fade. Whether she returns with a new outlook, new secrets, or more chaos in her wake is anyone’s guess—but fans can rest assured, this isn’t the last we’ve seen of her.

With Martin gone, the Slaters in disarray, and Stacey’s mental health hanging by a thread, there’s plenty of potential for a powerful farewell arc. Will she quietly slip away from the Square, or will she go out with one final dramatic storm? And when she does return—because with Stacey, we know she will—what kind of woman will she be?

In true EastEnders fashion, every goodbye is layered in mystery. And as Stacey Slater bows out once again, viewers are left with one burning question: What will it take to bring her back?