EastEnders Star Lacey Turner Shares Heartwarming Family Holiday After Stacey Slater Exit
After two dramatic decades in EastEnders, Lacey Turner has traded the chaos of Walford for sunshine and family time, giving fans a glimpse into her relaxing break abroad. Just weeks after Stacey Slater’s emotional exit from Albert Square, the beloved actress shared footage of her family getaway — and fans couldn’t be happier to see her smiling again.
A Fresh Chapter After an Emotional Exit
Lacey’s character, Stacey Slater, bowed out of EastEnders last month in scenes packed with nostalgia and heartbreak. Torn between staying in Walford or starting anew, Stacey made the tough choice to move to Brazil with her youngest children, Hope and Arthur, leaving behind her mum Jean, eldest daughter Lily, and granddaughter Charli.
Her departure came after a tense encounter with Max Branning, who returned to Walford only to be caught kissing Stacey’s cousin Zoe — a callback to the pair’s infamous affair that rocked the Square back in 2007. The farewell episode ended poignantly as Stacey drove away in a taxi, sparking questions about whether this really marks the end for one of EastEnders’ most iconic figures.
Eagle-eyed fans have noted that Lacey’s exit didn’t feature Julia’s Theme, the signature song used for permanent goodbyes — hinting that Stacey’s story may not be over just yet.
Family First: Lacey’s Turkish Getaway
Away from the drama of EastEnders, Lacey has been soaking up family life with husband Matt Kay and their three children, Dusty, Trilby, and baby Gipsy. The actress, who welcomed Gipsy in January, jetted off to Turkey for a much-needed family holiday and shared highlights with fans on Instagram.
The video montage showed the family enjoying their luxury resort — from poolside fun and sun-soaked dinners to adorable moments with their children. Dusty and Trilby joined in with hotel entertainment, while baby Gipsy stole hearts in one clip, happily covered in spaghetti during mealtime.
In one particularly touching scene, Matt is seen cuddling Gipsy during dinner, while Lacey captioned the post: “Family, fun and a little bit of Turkish sun.”
Fans React: “Your Family Is a Joy to Watch”
The post quickly filled with warm comments from fans who have followed Lacey both on-screen and off.
One admirer wrote, “Your kids are amazing, their personalities just shine through. They’re a credit to you and Matt.” Another added, “Love your little family. Your babies are growing up too fast!”
Others praised the actress for embracing motherhood so openly, with one fan writing, “So gorgeous, inside and out. It’s lovely to see you happy and relaxed.”
What’s Next for Lacey Turner?
After returning briefly earlier this year for EastEnders’ 40th anniversary live episode — which featured the shocking death of Martin Fowler — Lacey’s future on the soap remains uncertain. But whether or not Stacey Slater returns to Walford, Lacey’s focus right now is clearly on family and well-earned rest.
For fans, her sunny Turkish escape has offered a welcome glimpse of joy after one of the most emotional storylines in recent EastEnders history.