EastEnders fans are convinced that Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) will make a comeback following the announcement that her brother Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky) is returning to the soap. Stacey left Albert Square last October after Max Branning's (Jake Wood) return and the revelation that he had been sleeping with Zoe (Michelle Ryan). She headed to Brazil with her kids to join Sean, who was opening a restaurant there.
Fans react to Sean's return
After the news broke, fans took to social media to share their theories. One user, Amy, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): 'SEAN COMING BACK TO #EastEnders LONG TERM?!' Another, @MrVanGriffin, added: 'Stacey looms! Return imminent?' while Broden commented: 'the prospect of a surprise stacey comeback when sean returns has really lifted my spirits. 'the queen of the square is back and i could not be more seated'
Some fans pointed out that Lacey Turner is set to take part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing, which could make a return difficult. However, it's been known for actors from the soap to juggle both commitments, so it's possible she could do the same.
Strictly schedule could align
Debs speculated: 'I reckon Stacey might have a few scenes' and 'I reckon Lacey will do like [Balvinder Sopal] did and both strictly and Eastenders.' Deryn had a similar thought, suggesting: 'So surely stacey's coming back with him for a short stint before strictly then shes back fully after Christmas'.
Kazinsky on his return
Discussing his return, Rob Kazinsky 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.'
He added: '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.'
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
