Very EMOTIONAL News!!! BBC EastEnders star Lacey Turner issues emotional update months after soap exit
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EastEnders star Lacey Turner has issued an emotional update just months after her soap exit. The 37-year-old actress is best known for her portrayal of Stacey Slater in the beloved BBC drama.
Lacey first arrived in Walford in 2004, bringing Stacey to life until 2010. She subsequently made her comeback in 2014, before taking another temporary break last year. The actress has embarked on an “extended break” from Albert Square to concentrate on her family life, including her three young children, as well as pursuing other ventures.
Throughout her time on the Square, Stacey has been at the centre of numerous unforgettable plotlines, from her affair with Max Branning (Jake Wood) to her bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis storylines, her involvement in Archie Mitchell’s (Larry Lamb) death, and enduring harassment from Theo Hawthorne (William Ellis).
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During her ongoing hiatus from the programme, Lacey has marked a milestone moment as her youngest child, Gipsy, has celebrated her first birthday. She’s also mother to her six-year-old daughter Dusty and four-year-old son Trilby, whom she shares with her husband Matt Kay, reports the Mirror.
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Posting on Instagram on Tuesday (January 13), Lacey uploaded an adorable compilation of snapshots featuring her daughter, set to Fleetwood Mac’s 1982 classic Gypsy.
Her caption declared: “This is ONE!! A whole year of you baby! Today and everyday we celebrate you!!! (and your funny face). Love you forever and ever.”
Several of Lacey’s EastEnders colleagues sent their heartfelt messages in the comments, with Balvinder Sopal, who portrays Suki Panesar, penning: “Happy Birthday Gypsy. Hope life is treating you well, Lacey.”
Natalie Cassidy, renowned for her role as Sonia Fowler on the soap, commented: “How is that a year ago! Happy birthday gorgeous one,” accompanied by a heart emoji, whilst Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat Slater, posted: “Happy birthday darling Gypsy.”
Devoted soap enthusiasts also expressed their affection, with one fan writing: “Happy 1st Birthday beautiful princess.” Another remarked: “Looks like her mummy. You make beautiful babies.”
A third gushed: “Aww isn’t she adorable. Beautiful! Happy first birthday,” whilst another similarly expressed: “Can’t believe how quickly the children have grown. Gorgeous!!!”
Lacey’s husband, Matt, posted his own Reel to commemorate their daughter’s special day. He penned: “Gipsy… you stole my heart a year ago today and it’s never been the same since. Where has this year gone? Seriously! Happy birthday my darling angel I love you so so much.”
Although Stacey is currently taking a break from Albert Square, actress Lacey has assured fans that her absence will be temporary. In a touching farewell clip on YouTube last year, the mum-of-three was seen receiving fond farewells from the cast and crew on her last filming day, before assuring them: “I will be back in a minute.”
She went on to say: “Thank you, everyone. I am coming back, I won’t be long. I can’t do speeches but thank you. I love you all very much and it’s a very special place to work.”