Has Lacey Turner left EastEnders for good amid Strictly or is she coming back?

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published September 19, 2026 7:20pm Updated September 19, 2026 7:30pm Lacey is best known for her role in EastEnders (Picture:: BBC) EastEnders star Lacey Turner is swapping the market stalls of Albert Square for the glitz and the glam of the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom as she competes in the new series of the BBC dance competition. The much-loved star, known for playing Stacey Slater in the Walford-based soap for two decades, was the first celeb announced for this year’s Strictly back in August. The actress, 38, has featured in some of EastEnders’ biggest storylines and was central to both the 25th and 40th anniversary episodes, which were both filmed live, which means that she’s something of a pro when it comes to performing under pressure on live TV! Stacey departed Albert Square last October in the wake of Max Branning’s (Jake Wood) comeback – when she found out that he’d been sleeping with Zoe (Michelle Ryan). Lacey is taking part in Strictly (Picture: Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA Wire) Get personalised updates on Strictly Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Her exit storyline saw her head to Brazil with her kids to join brother Sean, who was opening a restaurant over there. But with Lacey now competing on Strictly, is this the last we’ve seen of Stacey or will she be back? Here’s what we know. Has Lacey Turner left EastEnders for good? No, Lacey has not left EastEnders for good. Following her emotional goodbye in October 2025, EastEnders confirmed that she would return to the BBC One soap when the ‘time is right’. Her departure came after what was a particularly eventful year for her character, with Stacey central to the 40th anniversary plotline which saw Martin Fowler (James Bye) perish after the Queen Vic exploded. Stacey left the Square in the wake of Martin’s death (Picture: BBC/Kieron McCarron) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. According to a report from The Sun from earlier in the month, Lacey will return to the role of Stacey later this year, and then is expected to be back on a more regular basis in 2027. With the Max Branning flash-forward episode having teased a dramatic start to 2027 in Walford, could Lacey’s return perhaps coincide with the events set to unfold around New Year’s? Deals of the Day Primark's new £14 co-ord has autumn styling on a budget covered An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale From £700 MacBooks to discounted iPhones, the best Apple tech for studentsb Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale Strictly Come Dancing begins Saturday September 19 at 7:25pm on BBC One. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: Who is Lawrence Robb and is he leaving Emmerdale to do Strictly Come Dancing? Arrow MORE: AJ Pritchard ‘facing secret crisis’ after Strictly backlash and career setback Arrow MORE: Who is Strictly host Josh Widdicombe? Inside comedian’s career and personal life The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.