EastEnders favourite Lacey Turner has given fans a delightful glimpse into her personal life, sharing a rare photograph with her mother during her current break from the BBC One soap.
Quality Time With Family
The actress, best known for playing Stacey Slater, took to her official Instagram page on Monday, November 24, to post sweet snaps with her mum Bev Harvey. The mother-daughter duo enjoyed bonding time together at the upscale restaurant Harry's Dolce Vita, posing for a cheerful selfie that showcased their close relationship.
This heartwarming social media appearance comes as Turner takes temporary leave from her iconic role on Albert Square. Fans watched emotional scenes last month as Stacey departed Walford for a new life in Brazil, marking a significant storyline shift for the long-running character.
Temporary Farewell to Walford
Back in May, it was confirmed that Lacey Turner would be stepping away from EastEnders to focus on life outside the show. In a statement to The Sun at the time, she revealed: "It's time for myself and Stacey to take a rest and who knows what Stacey will get up to in her time away? Knowing Stacey, it will never be boring."
An EastEnders spokeswoman supported this temporary departure, stating: "We can confirm that Lacey will be off-screen later this year, but there is plenty of more drama to come beforehand and we will look forward to planning Stacey's return when Lacey decides the time is right."
Reassuring fans about the temporary nature of her absence, Turner appeared in a heartfelt goodbye video on YouTube where she received well-wishes from cast and crew on her final day on set. She told them affectionately: "I will be back in a minute. 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."
Family Life Beyond the Square
Away from the cameras, Lacey Turner maintains a busy family life. She married husband Mat Kay in 2017, and the couple have since welcomed three children: daughter Dusty Violet in July 2019, son Trilby Fox in February 2021, and their newest addition, Gipsy Olive, in January 2025.
Turner first joined EastEnders as Stacey Slater in 2004, quickly becoming one of the soap's most beloved characters. After an initial six-year stint, she departed in 2010 before making a triumphant return in 2014. Her most recent exit storyline saw Stacey accepting her brother Sean Slater's offer to start fresh in Brazil, following the unexpected return of her former flame Max Branning, played by Jake Wood.
EastEnders continues to air Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am each morning, though viewers will need to wait a little longer for Stacey Slater's highly anticipated return to Walford.
