The actress, 37, has called time on playing the feisty Stacey, after joining the soap as a teenager in 2004.

Despite only just revealing she is leaving the soap, Lacey’s fans have already got a theory about when she’ll return to EastEnders.

ins class="982a9496" data-key="e9b7783184c111cdc5b4ad43f9d480f6">

Following the news of her departure, her loyal followers have been busy discussing what’s next for Stacey Slater 0 and they think it will be in four years time.

Speaking on fan forum, one said: “She’ll be back for the 25th anniversary of her debut in November 2029, that’s my prediction.

“Her youngest will have started school that September which could also be an advantage.”

END OF AN ERA

Yesterday, The Sun revealed that Stacey was quitting EastEnders after 21 years.

The much-loved actress told the Sun: “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.”

A soap insider said: “Lacey made the decision last year to take some time out from the show, she’s had a busy year both on and off screen, so it feels a good time to give Stacey a rest.

EastEnders fans work out when Stacey Slater's will return to Albert Square  after Lacey Turner quits soap | The Sun

“Lacey loves EastEnders, and it’s no secret how much EastEnders love Lacey, so it’s not a question of if she will be back, but when.”

An EastEnders spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that Lacey will be off-screen later this year, but there is plenty of more drama to come beforehand and we will look forward to planning Stacey’s return when Lacey decides the time is right.”

Lacey has become a household name thanks to her long career on Albert Square playing the role of Stacey.

Earlier this year, the actress won huge praise for her part in Martin Fowler’s exit scenes in the show’s live episode.

Due to her popularity, The Sun revealed how Lacey can expect to bag lucrative deals when she leaves the soap.

EastEnders bosses have strict rules that cast members can’t engage in major endorsement deals while employed by the BBC to maintain impartiality – but Lacey won’t have to worry about that after her departure.

A source said: “Lacey Turner is one of the most popular EastEnders characters, her exit can only mean one thing… she’s about to rake in a fortune.

“”Brands and TV shows will be lining up to work with her.””Brands and TV shows will be lining up to work with her.

“We don’t dress our children in designer clothes, it’s perfectly okay to dress your children in high street clothes.

“It’s crazy in the world we’re living that people are saving up to be parents.

Lacey reportedly scoops a five-figure salary for the EastEnders role she started in 2004.

EastEnders fans spot huge 'clue' ANOTHER star is set to leave after Stacey  Slater exit is confirmed | The Irish Sun

Yet she opened up on the “daily struggles” shared by many as costs of everyday items, as well as bills, soar.

She told of the impact of the financial climate on her family and said: “You do what you can.

“Ultimately if you strip everything back we’re all the same, it doesn’t matter what industry you’re in.

“You could be a broker, you could be hairdresser, you could be a gardener – we’re all facing the same struggles daily.

“Some people earn more money than others but everyone has different kinds of problems and ultimately underneath that is the judgement.

“You cannot judge people you don’t know, you never know what another person is going through.”