Stacey Slater exited Walford in emotional scenes as actress Lacey Turner takes a break from EastEnders in real life.

Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater in EastEnders (Image: BBC)

A deeply moving departure unfolded during Thursday’s instalment of EastEnders, as Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) departed Walford alongside her two youngest offspring, Arthur and Hope.

The EE favourite chose to abandon Albert Square, having struggled to remain there whilst being constantly reminded of her deceased partner Martin Fowler (James Bye).

After receiving a proposal from sibling Sean (Robert Kazinsky) to relocate and live with him in Brazil, where he’s established a new eatery, Stacey opted to depart and abandon the remaining Slaters.

Stacey’s concluding moment featured her travelling to the airport in a black taxi with her two youngest youngsters, whilst playing a voicemail message from former flame Max Branning (Jake Wood).

Stacey exited EastEnders in emotional scenes (Image: BBC
Soap enthusiasts were moved by Stacey’s departure, despite understanding it’s merely temporary, though many were also left irritated as EE executives had neglected to utilise Julia’s Theme during her final moment, instead choosing the programme’s standard theme music, reports OK!.
Julia’s Theme is a gradual crescendo performed on piano, typically employed following a death, particularly poignant incident or the exit of a major character in EastEnders. It was christened after one of the programme’s originators, Julia Smith.

“What a rubbish goodbye for such an iconic character. She’ll obvs be back but how underwhelming. Not even a Julia’s theme #eastenders,” one enthusiast raged on X, whilst another questioned: “#EastEnders why didn’t Stacy get a Julia theme for that cab?”

A third EE viewer said: “Where was Julia’s theme for Stacey? Criminal! ! @bbceastenders #EastEnders,” and someone else added: “What do you mean Stacey didn’t get Julia’s theme? ! ? ! #EastEnders.”

Nevertheless, some supporters suggested that by avoiding Julia’s Theme, EE executives might be signalling that Stacey’s absence will be brief.

Reports indicate that actress Lacey Turner is merely taking a temporary break from the BBC soap.

Stacey’s choice to leave also triggered Max’s departure, who had returned to the Square for estranged daughter Lauren’s (Jacqueline Jossa) wedding to Peter (Thomas Law).

Although he had expressed his wish to remain and spend time with his children, once Stacey turned down Max’s proposal to restart their relationship, he decided to leave Walford as well.

Nevertheless, Max is scheduled to return later this year and will remain permanently, though specifics of his next storyline remain unconfirmed.

EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm. Episodes also air at 6am on iPlayer.