EastEnders icon set to make huge return – and it’s much sooner than we expected

| Soaps Reporter Published September 14, 2026 8:54am Updated September 14, 2026 8:54am She’s back – but not for long (Picture: BBC/Metro) EastEnders star Lacey Turner is reportedly set to return to the BBC One soap for handful of episodes prior to a full-time return. Lacey, who is 38, has played the role of Stacey Slater on and off since 2004. The character departed Walford in October 2025, to help her brother Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky) with his restaurant in Brazil. Stacey’s decision to leave came after the returns of Max Branning (Jake Wood) and Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), as well as the death of Martin Fowler (James Bye). She’s been away for what feels like forever, but that’s all going to change soon enough, as Stacey is allegedly heading back to Albert Square. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Lacey has joined the cast of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing (Picture: Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA Wire) According to a report from The Sun, Lacey will return to the role of Stacey for some episodes that will air around New Years’, and will then be back full-time later in 2027. Metro has contacted EastEnders for a comment. Filming the new scenes as Stacey comes at a very busy time for Lacey Turner, as she is currently rehearsing for the first episode of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. The 2026 cast features famous faces including Lawrence Robb from Emmerdale, Dani Dyer and Will Best. The new series, which begins this Saturday, will also see Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as presenters. In other EastEnders news, Rob Kazinsky, who plays Lacey’s on-screen brother Sean Slater, is heading back to the show. Stacey’s brother Sean will soon be back in Walford (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/PA Wire) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Sean will be sticking around for longer than just a few episodes, with his upcoming returning marking the first time he’ll be permanently settled in Walford in 17 years. Discussing his exciting return, star Rob said: ‘I left EastEnders in 2008 as a 23-year-old boy and was lucky to spend the next 19 years of my life working around the world, always championing EastEnders and stating the fact that one day I wanted to walk in Sean’s Shoes again, but this time as a man to see who Sean the man might also be. Deals of the Day An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 A friend said I looked 'snatched' – I credit this new Charlotte Tilbury powder ‘I wanted to do it for Sean, I wanted to do it for the fans that have supported me in every role since I left the Square but, mostly, I wanted to do it for me. I’m home, and I can’t wait to bring a new level of heartfelt chaos to Albert Square in the way only Sean Slater can.’ Arrow MORE: Why Zoe Slater died in EastEnders revealed Arrow MORE: All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2026 Arrow MORE: Coronation Street star’s ‘incredible’ friend, 47, dies suddenly The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.