Lacey Turner Reveals Martin Fowler's Death Led to Her EastEnders Exit

Lacey Turner has revealed that the decision to kill off Martin Fowler was a major reason behind her departure from EastEnders, admitting she struggled to understand why bosses wanted to end the character's story during the soap's 40th anniversary celebrations.

The actress, who played Stacey Slater for more than two decades, has opened up about her decision in her new memoir, Gold Dust: My Life (So Far) with the Women Who Shaped Me, published on 22 October 2026.

Although Turner had been considering spending more time with her family, learning that James Bye was leaving and Martin would be killed off prompted her to question whether she wanted to continue playing Stacey without her long-term screen partner.

Lacey Turner Tried to Save Martin Fowler

Martin died during the live 40th anniversary episode on 20 February 2025, following an explosion at The Queen Vic that left him trapped beneath a fallen beam.

Stacey had only recently reunited with Martin, making his death particularly devastating as the couple declared their love before he died in her arms from crush syndrome. In her memoir, Turner admits she was deeply unhappy with the decision and repeatedly questioned whether there was another way to write Martin out without killing him.

"It's a decision I found hard to fathom," she writes, explaining that she approached producers with alternative suggestions but was unable to persuade them to reconsider.

Turner also turned to Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell, for advice about making the storyline work despite her reservations.

The prospect of continuing Stacey's story without Martin left her questioning both the character's future and her own place in the programme.

Three Major Departures Changed Her Plans

Turner explains that several developments were happening simultaneously, with James Bye leaving, Natalie Cassidy preparing to depart as Sonia and the actress expecting her third child.

Although she remained committed to the anniversary storyline, the combination made her consider whether she should also take a break from the demanding filming schedule. She explains that she wanted to spend more time with her family and began to feel that stepping away from Walford might be the right decision.

The anniversary episode presented an additional challenge because Turner's due date fell close to the live broadcast, leaving uncertainty about whether she would be available.

Despite those concerns, she returned just four weeks after giving birth and fulfilled her commitment to the anniversary special before continuing to film Stacey's mental health struggles following Martin's death.

Why Stacey Left Walford for Brazil

Turner's departure was announced in May 2025, with Stacey's final scenes airing on 2 October that year. Following months of grief and personal difficulties, Stacey decided to leave Walford and join her brother Sean in Brazil, taking her younger children Arthur and Hope with her.

Her eldest daughter Lily and granddaughter Charli remained in Albert Square with the Slater family, leaving an important connection to Walford should Stacey eventually return.

The exit also followed another painful experience involving Max and Zoe, reinforcing Stacey's decision that she needed a fresh start away from the Square.

Turner explains in her memoir that Stacey had endured so much over the years that both the character and the actress needed an opportunity to recover from the demands of their respective lives.

Will Lacey Turner Return to EastEnders?

Although Turner previously indicated that she intended to return, her more recent comments suggest that a full-time comeback is not an immediate priority.

Speaking to Natalie Cassidy on her Life with Nat podcast on 21 October, Turner explained that she has enjoyed spending time at home with her three children and remains grateful for the opportunity to have a break.

She also confirmed that she would love to play Stacey again one day, although her current commitments mean she is not ready to resume the role.

There have been rumours suggesting a possible short appearance around the Christmas and New Year period, but the BBC has not announced a confirmed return date.