Stacey’s Big Decision Shakes Walford

It’s never quiet in EastEnders, and this week proved no exception as Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) shocked Albert Square with her decision to leave Walford behind. Stacey had planned a new life in Brazil with her brother Sean, booking one-way flights for herself and daughter Lily. At first, Lily seemed on board, but when faced with leaving her daughter Charli and Ricky Jr. behind, her excitement crumbled.

In tonight’s dramatic episode, Lily told her mum: “I don’t think I can do this. Charli’s got her own life here, her dad, and I’ve got to put her first. Mum, you can go to Brazil, but me and Charli aren’t coming with you.”

That emotional bombshell forced Stacey to rethink everything—setting up a major twist in her exit story.

Spoilers Reveal Stacey’s U-Turn

Next week’s episodes bring even more drama as Stacey’s family wrestle with her life-changing choice. Jean is left devastated, Zoe tries to change Stacey’s mind, and even Ricky Sr. makes his feelings clear. While Eve backs Stacey’s move, her daughter’s refusal leaves her torn.

By the time her leaving drinks roll around at The Albert, Stacey delivers a shock of her own—she announces she’s staying in Walford after all. The U-turn may delight some, but Lily worries her mum could be making the wrong decision yet again.

The Return of Max Branning

If that weren’t enough, the Square is about to welcome back a familiar face: Max Branning. Four years since his last appearance, Max returns just as Stacey is at her most vulnerable. Spoilers confirm that Stacey gets the “shock of her life” when Max shows up and later follows her back to No. 31.

What does Max want, and how will his reappearance affect Stacey’s future? Could his return reignite their complicated history—or push her closer to leaving after all?

Will Stacey Really Stay in Walford?

For now, Stacey’s dramatic U-turn suggests she’s not going anywhere, but with Max back in the picture and tensions with Lily unresolved, her story is far from settled. Whether she stays put or boards that plane to Brazil, one thing’s certain—Stacey Slater’s next chapter will be anything but simple.