EastEnders fans believe Sean Slater's confirmed return to the BBC soap means Stacey Slater will soon be back on screen, with speculation pointing to a New Year's Day twist. Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey, is currently on extended leave from the show and is also due to appear in this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
Stacey left Walford to live with her brother Sean in Brazil. Now that Sean's comeback has been announced, viewers are questioning whether Stacey's own return is imminent, with some suggesting she could follow him back to Albert Square.
New Year's Day theory 'confirmed'
Fans have linked Sean's return to one of two flashforward theories connected to New Year's Day 2027. They believe Stacey could return at New Year, while another long-running theory suggests she could be the pregnant woman found in her ex Max Branning's bed.
One fan wrote: "Stacey is surely not far behind! Return at new year's??" Another said: "I just had a thought: what if Stacey returns close to new year heavily pregnant by some Brazilian boyfriend, and she cheats with Max while pregnant."
Fans convinced comeback is sealed
A third fan commented: "Stacey will probably soon follow back wherever the Slaters set up home next. Lacey's doing Strictly, an easy commute with both filmed at Elstree to film for NY return?"
Other viewers were certain a return for Stacey had been sealed. One fan said: "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."
Another posted: "If this doesn't raise the prospect of Stacey coming back before earlier than we thought, I don't know what does." A further comment said: "Surely this means Stacey isn't too far behind then?"
Zoe Slater funeral speculation
Meanwhile, fans have wondered why Stacey won't return sooner for the funeral of her cousin Zoe Slater, who is reportedly being killed off. Cast members were on location this week filming someone's send-off, and it's thought to be Zoe's as the Slaters were out in force, minus Stacey.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
