Lacey Turner is an English actress best known for playing Stacey Slater in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Born on 28 March 1988 in London, Turner began her professional career as a teenager and became one of British television’s most recognisable soap performers.
Her career has extended beyond Albert Square. She has taken on dramatic television roles, including Molly Dawes in the BBC military drama Our Girl, while her work in EastEnders has earned numerous industry awards and nominations.
Lacey Turner and the Stacey Slater Legacy
Turner first appeared as Stacey Slater in EastEnders in 2004. The character quickly became central to some of the programme’s most emotionally demanding storylines, giving Turner opportunities to demonstrate a wide dramatic range.
After initially leaving the soap in 2010, she returned in 2014 and continued playing Stacey for many years. Her latest major departure came in October 2025 after more than two decades associated with the character.
| Career milestone | Significance |
|---|---|
| 2004 | Debuted as Stacey Slater |
| 2010 | Left EastEnders after her first major run |
| 2013–2014 | Played Molly Dawes in Our Girl |
| 2014 | Returned to EastEnders |
| 2025 | Departed the soap again |
| 2026 | Joined Strictly Come Dancing |
Her award record reflects the strength of that performance. IMDb currently lists 20 wins and 23 nominations, including National Television Awards and British Soap Awards recognition. She won the National Television Award for Most Popular Serial Drama Performance in 2007 and again received major recognition in subsequent years.
Beyond EastEnders: Our Girl and Other Roles
One of Turner’s most notable projects outside soap television was Our Girl. She played Molly Dawes, a young woman who joins the British Army, in the programme’s early story. BBC production scripts confirm Turner’s role as Molly, demonstrating her move into a very different dramatic setting.
She has also appeared in programmes including Being Human, True Love, Bedlam, Switch and Call the Midwife, showing that her acting career has never been limited entirely to one genre.
💡 Pro Tip: For viewers discovering Turner through Strictly Come Dancing, watching selected EastEnders and Our Girl episodes offers useful context for understanding the dramatic versatility behind her television career.
Family Life and Life After Walford
Turner married Matt Kay in 2017, and the couple have three children. Their third child was born in January 2025, shortly before Turner’s later decision to step away from EastEnders.
Her departure from the soap also created room for a different professional chapter. In 2026, Turner was announced as the first celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing, giving audiences an opportunity to see her outside scripted television.
By October 2026, her Strictly journey had already attracted attention, with Turner performing strongly during the show’s Movie Week.
📌 Key Takeaway: Turner’s career stands out because she has combined a long-running iconic soap role with award-winning dramatic work and a high-profile new challenge on Strictly Come Dancing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lacey Turner?
Lacey Turner is an English actress born in London in 1988. She became widely known for portraying Stacey Slater in EastEnders, a role she played across multiple periods from 2004 through 2025. She has also appeared in Our Girl and several other British television productions.
Why did Lacey Turner leave EastEnders?
Turner left EastEnders again in 2025 after a long association with the programme. Contemporary reporting described the decision as a break from the soap, with Turner discussing the demands of balancing work and family life. Her 2025 departure followed more than two decades connected with Stacey Slater.
What character did Lacey Turner play in Our Girl?
Turner played Molly Dawes in Our Girl. Molly is introduced as a young woman who trains to become a British Army medic. The role represented a significant change from Stacey Slater and gave Turner an opportunity to lead a military drama.
Is Lacey Turner on Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes. Turner joined the 2026 cast of Strictly Come Dancing and was announced as the first celebrity contestant for that series. Her participation marked a new direction after her long-running EastEnders career. By October 2026, she had already appeared in the competition’s live shows.
Will Lacey Turner return to EastEnders?
Turner has left EastEnders before and subsequently returned, so future possibilities remain a subject of interest among viewers. However, a definitive future return should not be treated as confirmed unless Turner or the BBC announces one officially. Her 2025 departure was presented as another break from the role.
Conclusion
Lacey Turner has built an impressive British television career through memorable drama, sustained audience popularity and an ability to reinvent her professional path. From Stacey Slater to Molly Dawes and now Strictly Come Dancing, her career continues to evolve while retaining the qualities that made her a standout performer in the first place.
