Lacey Turner, the award-winning actress famed for her role as Stacey Slater in EastEnders, has been a fan favourite since she first appeared on the soap in 2004.
Her character, Stacey, has recently been at the heart of some intense storylines, including her challenges as a single mum, dealing with financial difficulties, and a troubling romance with her friend Theo, which took a sinister turn when he was revealed to be her stalker.
While Lacey’s on-screen life is packed with drama, her off-screen existence is quite the opposite, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Away from the cameras, Lacey leads a more grounded, family-focused life that stretches far beyond the confines of Albert Square. Let’s take a peek into her life away from the limelight.
Early life and family
The star grew up near the set of EastEnders
(Image: BBC)
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Born and raised in Hertfordshire, near the BBC television studios in Elstree, Lacey is the eldest daughter of Bev and Les Turner and grew up with her two younger sisters, Daisy and Lily.
Living so close to the studios sparked her interest in acting. Lacey remembers being able to see part of the EastEnders set from her bedroom window, which fuelled her dream to join the cast.
At the age of ten, she attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School but left after a year. She later went to a local girls’ private school while also taking dance, singing, and acting classes outside of her regular schooling.
Sisters in the spotlight
Lacey’s siblings, Daisy and Lily, have also dipped their toes into the world of showbiz. Daisy Turner is recognised for her portrayal of Jenny Houston in the popular British soap opera Hollyoaks, a testament to the family’s acting prowess.
On the other hand, Lily Turner has chosen to keep a low profile, with little known about her professional endeavours.
Personal life
Lacey Turner lives at the North London property with her husband and children, including daughter Dusty
(Image: Getty)
In September 2017, Lacey tied the knot with her long-time love, Matt Kay, in an intimate ceremony on the sun-soaked island of Ibiza. The pair have since expanded their family with two children: a daughter named Dusty Violet Kay, born in July 2019, and a son, Trilby Fox Kay, who arrived in February 2021.
Fast forward to September 2024, Lacey revealed that she is pregnant with their third child, sharing the delightful news through a series of beach snaps and a baby scan on Instagram.
Lacey has been candid about her journey into motherhood, including the heartbreak of previous miscarriages. In April 2021, she called for improved support for parents who have experienced miscarriages, underlining the importance of systemic changes to ensure adequate care during such challenging periods.
Life beyond EastEnders
The star has appered in other dramatic series
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
While Lacey is best known for her role as Stacey Slater, her career spans a range of projects outside of EastEnders. During her break from the soap, she featured in several TV series, including Being Human (2011), True Love, Bedlam, and Switch (all in 2012), and Call the Midwife (2014).
She is best known for her role as Molly Dawes in the BBC military drama Our Girl from 2013 to 2014, which earned her widespread praise.
Beyond acting, Lacey has been involved in numerous charitable activities and advocacy work. She has taken part in campaigns such as Asda’s Tickled Pink initiative, which supports breast cancer awareness and research.
Her candidness about personal struggles has also sparked public conversations on issues like miscarriage, demonstrating her dedication to using her influence for good.
Looking forward
Lacey was became a part of EastEnders in 2004
(Image: BBC)
As she looks forward to welcoming her third child, the 36-year-old’s pregnancy has sparked speculation among EastEnders fans about how her character will temporarily exit the show.
Fans remember that during her last maternity leave, Stacey’s storyline saw her serving a prison sentence, leading some to predict a similar plot twist this time around.
However, others are hoping for a quieter exit, suggesting that Stacey might leave to look after a family member, reflecting the soap’s knack for weaving actors’ real-life events into on-screen narratives.
EastEnders airs Mondays-Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One.