EastEnders’ Lacey Turner admits sadness over wave of cast exits

| Freelance Soaps Reporter Published September 15, 2026 9:00am Updated September 15, 2026 9:03am Lacey spoke about the cast exits on EastEnders (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock) There’s been a bit of a haemorrhage of cast members over at EastEnders recently, and it turns out that it isn’t just the fans who’re sad to see so many people go. This week saw the permanent exit of Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), who sadly died after sustaining a pretty nasty head injury. Also confirmed to be departing Walford is Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) who, alongside her son, Johnny (Charlie Suff), will officially wrap up the era of the Carters on Albert Square. Deeply tortured bad boy, Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara), is also going to be exiting and, despite a lack of confirmation, Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) is reportedly due to follow him out of Walford. Not literally, but you know what I mean. Kat and Alfie Moon (Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie) will also be taking a break from the show to star in panto, but they’ll both be back behind the bar of the Vic before too long. Stacey’s presence has been missed in EastEnders (Picture: BBC/Kieron McCarron) One character that’s been missing in action for a while now is Stacey Slater, after actress Lacey Turner – who’s played the fan favourite on-and-off since 2004 – decided to take a break from the show, during which she’s releasing an autobiography and is set to take part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Despite her absence, though, she’s commented on the loss of several cast members, describing it to Fabulous Magazine as ‘really sad’. ‘I like Ravi on the show,’ Lacey admitted. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. ‘And Kellie’s hanging up her pink flamingos, too. ‘I always hope they will come back. They’re part of the furniture.’ As for her own return? Well, there’s no confirmation yet as to when Lacey will be returning to filming, though, according to The Sun, she’ll be back for a few episodes that will air around New Year, ahead of her full-time return. Lacey will be competing on Strictly (Picture: Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA Wire) Speaking on her decision to take a break, Lacey said: ‘I think you get to an age where you think: ‘What actually matters?’ ‘I’m almost 40 and I’m quite enjoying getting older, but the kids are growing up so quickly. ‘I’m lucky enough to be in a position where I can say: ‘I’m going to spend some time with my kids, run the house and feed the chickens’. I’m loving it.’ She then admitted to how happy she was to learn that Stacey’s exit wouldn’t come via a pine box: ‘I’m glad they didn’t kill Stacey off. I’d be heartbroken if they did. ‘I love that job, I really do. I love the people, I love the show. I’m a big fan and I still watch it. ‘It’s such a massive part of my life. I don’t think I could ever let it go and say goodbye forever.’ Stacey’s brother, Sean, is coming back, too! (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/PA Wire) Stacey won’t be the only Slater heading back to Walford, as her brother, Sean (Rob Kazinsky) is also on his way home. ‘I left EastEnders in 2008 as a 23-year-old boy and was lucky to spend the next 18 years of my life working around the world,’ Rob said upon the news breaking of his return. ‘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. ‘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.’ 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 Arrow MORE: Emmerdale star Bradley Johnson gets married to ‘love of his life’ Arrow MORE: EastEnders icon set to make huge return – and it’s much sooner than we expected Arrow MORE: EastEnders star ‘gutted’ to be axed but his exit is explosive The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.