Former EastEnders star Lorraine Stanley has opened up about her dramatic weight loss transformation, her upcoming wedding, and what life looks like after leaving behind her iconic role as Karen Taylor. Speaking at the Paul Strank Charitable Trust Summer Party in London, Stanley looked worlds away from the disheveled, tough-as-nails mum fans came to love on Albert Square.

Dressed in a sparkling white gown bought from Vinted, the 49-year-old actress revealed that she has lost an impressive six and a half stone over the past two years. “I’m so excited,” she said, beaming with pride. “This is a whole new chapter for me.”

A Fresh Start, On and Off Screen

Lorraine is set to marry her partner of 12 years, Mark Perez, later this month in a modest ceremony near their home in Hertfordshire. The wedding will be intimate—just a church service followed by a relaxed celebration at a local pub with a tepee and a barbecue. “Danny Walters [who played Keanu Taylor on EastEnders] is coming,” she shared. “I wanted to invite more of my EastEnders family, but we’re keeping it small and personal.”

Their nine-year-old daughter, Nancy, will also play a special role in the wedding, donning a flower girl dress that Lorraine jokes is “the big white gown” compared to her own understated bridal look.

The couple’s decision to tie the knot now comes from a place of stability and love. “We’re in a really good place,” Lorraine said. “Every couple has their ups and downs, but this just feels right. Nancy really wanted us to get married, and I wanted to take Mark’s surname. I know some women don’t feel that way, but I do—I want to be Mrs. Perez.”

Weight Loss Journey and a Changed Perspective

Stanley credits her 6.5st weight loss to a combination of lifestyle changes and initially, the help of weight-loss injections. However, she revealed that a personal “shock” led her to reconsider relying on medication. While she didn’t specify the nature of the incident, she made it clear that it pushed her to focus on longer-term health and consistency rather than shortcuts.

The transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans, who have praised her recent red carpet appearances. She’s taken it all in stride, saying that right now, she’s focused on enjoying time with her family—especially being her daughter’s “personal taxi service.”

What’s Next?

Though Lorraine left EastEnders in 2024 after a seven-year run as Karen Taylor, she hasn’t ruled out a return to Walford. For now, however, she’s embracing the freedom of life post-soap and looking forward to her big day.

“I’m not saying never,” she said with a smile. “But right now, I’m just really happy being with my family, planning a wedding, and living life.”