Lacey’s character Stacey has been struggling in recent weeks with the death of Martin Fowler
Lacey has worked on the programme for over 20 years(Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)
EastEnders actress Lacey Turner is being tipped to join a popular ITV show after announcing her soap ‘exit’.
It was confirmed on Wednesday that Lacey will be leaving the role of Stacey Slater in the near future, having recently returned from maternity leave.
First joining the BBC programme in 2004, Lacey’s character Stacey has been struggling in recent weeks with the death of Martin Fowler.
Winning four National Television Awards and six British Soap Awards for her performance over the years, Lacey has appeared in nearly 2,000 EastEnders episodes.
Having given birth to her third child Gipsy at the beginning of the year, Lacey confirmed that she is taking ‘time away’ from the series.
She told The Sun newspaper: “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.”
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Responding to Lacey’s news, the show’s bosses have promised viewers that there’s ‘plenty of drama’ yet to come.
Lacey Turner is saying goodbye to Albert Square(Image: BBC)
An EastEnders spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that Lacey will be off-screen later this year, but there is plenty of drama to come beforehand and we will look forward to planning Stacey’s return when Lacey decides the time is right.”
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With EastEnders fans coming to terms with the news, the bookies are predicting what potential projects Lacey could take on.
According to Gambling Industry News, Lacey has odds of 3/1 to join the Loose Women panel and make the move to the BBC’s main rival ITV.
A move to Loose Women would connect Lacey with Nadia Sawalha, a panelist who played Annie Palmer on Albert Square from 1997 to 1999.
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Lacey also has odds of 4/1 to appear in the next series of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, a series that EastEnders alumni Joe Swash, Charlie Brooks and Jacqueline Jossa have won.
With odds of 8/1 to star in a West End theatre production,Lacey potentially appearing on Strictly Come Dancing is priced at 6/1.
Jose Del Pozo, spokesperson for Gambling Industry News, said: “Lacey Turner’s decision to step away from EastEnders has sparked widespread speculation about her future endeavours after a mammoth 21-year stint on Albert Square.
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“Joining the Loose Women panel seems a natural fit at 3/1, given her candid nature and popularity, while reality TV could also be on the cards, with 4/1 for an I’m a Celebrity appearance.
“However, a move to the West End at 8/1 shouldn’t be ruled out, showcasing her versatility as a performer.”
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