Former EastEnders star Lacey Turner has delighted fans with a heartfelt family update, celebrating her youngest daughter's milestone birthday just months after stepping away from Albert Square.
A Heartfelt Family Celebration
The actress, famed for her long-running role as Stacey Slater, took to Instagram on Tuesday, 13th January, to share an emotional tribute. She posted a touching Reel of photos set to Fleetwood Mac's song 'Gypsy', honouring her daughter Gipsy's first birthday.
In the caption, the 37-year-old wrote: "This is ONE!! A whole year of you baby! Today and everyday we celebrate you!!! (and your funny face). Love you forever and ever." Her husband, Matt Kay, also shared his own Reel, expressing how his daughter had stolen his heart a year ago.
Co-Stars and Fans Send Love
The post quickly attracted warm wishes from Turner's EastEnders colleagues and devoted soap fans. Co-star Balvinder Sopal, who plays Suki Panesar, commented: "Happy Birthday Gypsy. Hope life is treating you well, Lacey."
Natalie Cassidy (Sonia Fowler) added: "How is that a year ago! Happy birthday gorgeous one," while Jessie Wallace (Kat Slater) simply said: "Happy birthday darling Gypsy." Supportive followers also chimed in, noting the child's resemblance to her mother and how quickly the family's children are growing.
Focus on Family During Soap Break
Lacey Turner, who first joined the BBC drama in 2004, is currently on an "extended break" from EastEnders. She temporarily departed the show last year to concentrate on her young family and other projects.
The actress is mother to three children: six-year-old Dusty, four-year-old Trilby, and now one-year-old Gipsy. During her tenure, her character Stacey was central to some of the soap's most gripping plots, including a bipolar diagnosis, postpartum psychosis, and being involved in Archie Mitchell's murder.
Despite her absence, Turner has reassured fans her leave is temporary. In a farewell video last year, she told the cast and crew: "I will be back in a minute... I am coming back, I won't be long."
EastEnders continues to air Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
