Lacey Turner – Age, Husband, Children and EastEnders Exit in 2025
Lacey Turner is a name synonymous with British television. For over two decades, she captivated audiences as the fiercely independent Stacey Slater on the BBC soap EastEnders. Her performance earned her a place among the most celebrated actresses in UK television history. In 2025, she closed a significant chapter, leaving the show that defined her career to embrace new challenges, including a highly anticipated stint on Strictly Come Dancing.
Turner’s journey from a schoolgirl in Hertfordshire to a multi-award-winning star is a story of talent, resilience, and personal growth. She has navigated the pressures of fame, family life, and personal hardship with a grounded perspective. This article provides a comprehensive look at her career, her life away from the cameras, and what the future holds.
What are Lacey Turner’s movies and TV shows?
Lacey Turner’s career is overwhelmingly rooted in television. While she has not taken major film roles, her television work has shaped her reputation as a powerhouse performer. Her filmography includes the BBC drama Our Girl, the supernatural series Being Human, and the TV film Frankenstein’s Wedding. However, her defining work is her legendary 21-year run as Stacey Slater on EastEnders.
Over her career, Turner has appeared in over 1,900 episodes of EastEnders, a milestone achieved by very few actors in British soap history.
What is Lacey Turner’s role in EastEnders?
Turner first appeared as Stacey Slater in 2004, a role she played until 2010. She returned in 2014 and remained until her final episode aired on Christmas Day 2025. Stacey quickly became a central character, involved in major storylines dealing with postpartum psychosis, bipolar disorder, and complex family dynamics. The role earned her more than 40 awards, solidifying her status as a soap icon.
Beyond EastEnders, Turner’s other notable TV credit is the military drama Our Girl, where she played Molly Dawes in five episodes between 2013 and 2014. She also appeared in the 2011 series Being Human and the 2023 spin-off EastEnders: The Six. Her work remains almost exclusively in television, with no major cinema releases documented in her filmography.
Who is Lacey Turner’s husband?
Lacey Turner is married to Matt Kay, her teenage sweetheart. The couple met when she was just 15 years old. They were married in a private ceremony in Ibiza on 5 September 2017. Kay, who works outside of the entertainment industry, has largely remained out of the public spotlight, allowing the family a degree of privacy.
The couple’s relationship has been a source of stability for Turner, particularly during the intense periods of her career and personal life. She has spoken warmly about their bond, describing him as a grounding presence.
Does Lacey Turner have children?
Yes, Lacey Turner and Matt Kay have three daughters. Their first child, Dusty Violet Kay, was born on 12 July 2019. The couple welcomed their second daughter, Trilby Fox Kay, whose birth was confirmed in 2025 after a pregnancy announcement in 2024. Their third daughter was born on 17 January 2025, a date Turner announced publicly later that year.
Before the birth of her children, Turner experienced two miscarriages. She spoke openly about this in the 2020 documentary Miscarriage: Our Story, which she featured in to raise awareness and help others facing similar challenges.
Turner’s family life has expanded rapidly in recent years. She now lives with her husband and three young daughters. She has described the chaos of a “family of five” with a mix of affection and humour in interviews.
How old is Lacey Turner and is she still alive?
Lacey Turner is 38 years old. She was born on 28 March 1988 in Edgware, North London, and raised in Hertfordshire. She is alive and active. As of 2025, she remains a public figure with an active presence on social media and has confirmed future projects.
There are no credible reports or rumours suggesting otherwise. Her departure from EastEnders was a planned narrative decision, not a reflection of her personal health or status. She is currently preparing for her next major public appearance.
What is Lacey Turner’s net worth?
Lacey Turner’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. Some sources estimate it could be in the range of £1–2 million, derived from her long-running role on EastEnders and other television work. However, these figures are speculative.
In 2025, reports suggested she was facing cost-of-living challenges, a situation she acknowledged in a light-hearted manner, referring to the financial pressures of raising a large family. No official financial statements or verified net worth figures are available.
Net worth figures for actors, particularly those on long-running soaps, are often based on estimation and media reports. Without official confirmation from Turner or her representatives, these numbers should be treated as rough estimates.
What is the timeline of Lacey Turner’s career?
Lacey Turner’s career has followed a clear trajectory from soap star to respected actress. Here is a timeline of key milestones based on verified sources.
- 1988: Born in Edgware, North London.
- 2004: Begins her role as Stacey Slater on EastEnders.
- 2010: Departs EastEnders on Christmas Day.
- 2011: Appears in Being Human and the TV film Frankenstein’s Wedding.
- 2013–2014: Stars as Molly Dawes in the BBC drama Our Girl.
- 2014: Returns to EastEnders.
- 2017: Marries Matt Kay in Ibiza.
- 2019: Gives birth to her first daughter, Dusty.
- 2020: Appears in the documentary Miscarriage: Our Story.
- 2025: Departs EastEnders permanently on Christmas Day. Gives birth to her third daughter.
- 2026: Confirmed as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing (Series 24).
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about Lacey Turner’s life?
Most details of Lacey Turner’s life are well-documented and publicly available. However, some areas remain less clear. This table separates established facts from information that is incomplete or estimated.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| She is alive and active in 2025. | Her exact net worth is not publicly known. |
| She is married to Matt Kay (since 2017). | The name of her second child is not publicly confirmed. |
| She has three daughters (born 2019, 2024/2025, 2025). | Specific future acting projects beyond Strictly Come Dancing remain unannounced. |
| She departed EastEnders in 2025 after 21 years. | The exact financial terms of her EastEnders contract are not public. |
| She will appear on Strictly Come Dancing in 2026. | Her long-term career plans after Strictly are speculative. |
What is the context of Lacey Turner’s career significance?
Lacey Turner is widely regarded as one of the finest soap opera actors of her generation. Her portrayal of Stacey Slater has been credited with bringing nuance and depth to storylines often considered sensitive or challenging, such as living with bipolar disorder and navigating domestic abuse. This work earned her over 40 awards, including four National Television Awards and eight British Soap Awards.
Her departure from EastEnders in 2025 marked the end of an era for the show. Turner’s influence extends beyond the screen; her openness about her personal struggles, including miscarriage, has resonated with audiences and added to her reputation as a relatable and grounded public figure. Her upcoming appearance on Strictly Come Dancing represents a significant career pivot and will introduce her to an even wider audience.
In comparison to other prominent EastEnders actors, such as Max Bowden (who played Ben Mitchell), Turner’s longevity and award recognition place her among the soap’s most decorated stars. Her move to a mainstream competition show like Strictly is a natural next step for a performer looking to expand their profile beyond soap.
Who are the sources and what quotes are available about Lacey Turner?
The primary sources of information about Lacey Turner’s life and career include Wikipedia, IMDb, and official BBC pages. Personal updates often come from her verified Instagram account. For specific quotes, Turner has described EastEnders in interviews as “home,” reflecting her deep connection to the show and its cast.
“EastEnders is my home.”
— Lacey Turner, in interviews
Her husband, Matt Kay, has also been quoted in media, describing her as “an incredible mum and actress.” These quotes capture the personal and professional admiration that surrounds her. She also has a significant connection to the Strictly Come Dancing world through professional dancer Oti Mabuse, who has won the show multiple times, setting a high bar for Turner’s upcoming appearance.
“She’s an incredible mum and actress.”
— Matt Kay, via social media reports
What is the summary of Lacey Turner’s life and career?
Lacey Turner is a 38-year-old English actress, best known for her iconic 21-year portrayal of Stacey Slater on EastEnders. She is married to Matt Kay, with whom she has three daughters. After leaving the soap in 2025, she is set to compete on Strictly Come Dancing in 2026. Her career is defined by critical acclaim, multiple awards, and a strong personal story of resilience. For updates, following her official Instagram account is the most direct source.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lacey Turner
Is Lacey Turner still alive?
Yes, Lacey Turner is alive and well as of 2025. She remains active on social media and continues her acting career.
What was Lacey Turner like when she was young?
Lacey Turner began acting at a young age, attending dance classes and performing in school plays. She joined EastEnders at age 16.
What is Lacey Turner’s height?
Lacey Turner’s exact height is not publicly listed in the provided sources, though she is generally described as of average stature.
How many awards has Lacey Turner won?
Lacey Turner has won over 40 awards for her role as Stacey Slater, including 4 National Television Awards and 8 British Soap Awards.
Did Lacey Turner return to EastEnders after 2010?
Yes, she returned in 2014 and continued playing Stacey Slater until her departure in 2025.
What is Lacey Turner’s Instagram handle?
Her official Instagram account is @laceyturner, where she posts updates about her family and career.
Is Lacey Turner on Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes, she has been confirmed as a contestant for Strictly Come Dancing Series 24, scheduled for 2026.
How many children does Lacey Turner have?
Lacey Turner has three daughters born in 2019, 2024/2025, and January 2025.
Where was Lacey Turner born?
She was born in Edgware, North London, but was raised in Hertfordshire near the BBC studios.
What is Lacey Turner’s most famous TV show?
Her most famous TV show is EastEnders, where she played the character Stacey Slater for 21 years.
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