Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner)

[alan45]

EASTENDERS star Lacey Turner is quitting Albert Square - to pursue a career in movies.
The actress, telly's bitchy Stacey Slater, has handed in her notice to the soap's new boss Bryan Kirkwood.

She will end her five-year stint on the BBC1 hit after more dramatic storylines this year. But the door is being left open for her to return if she wants.

Gillian Wright, who plays her mum Jean, is also on her way.

Lacey, 22, hopes to land a part in a major costume drama before moving on to other films.

She said last night: "I've had the most fantastic time at EastEnders. Stacey's been a brilliant role - as has being part of the feisty Slater family.

"I'm so lucky to have had such challenging storylines, from the affair with Max and being diagnosed as bipolar, to the shock of being revealed as Archie's killer in the live episode.

"I'll miss everyone in Albert Square, but the time has come to try something different."

Market trader Stacey, who joined in 2004, is one of the soap's most popular characters.

About 16.5million people saw her confess to Archie Mitchell's murder in February's live show soon after hubby Bradley, who she wed twice, fell to his death.


News of Lacey's departure follows The Sun's revelation this month that executive producer Bryan was axeing several major characters - including Minty Peterson and Stacey's uncle Charlie.

Others off are Libby Fox, Danny Mitchell and Adam Best. Meanwhile Tiana Benjamin (Chelsea Fox) is quitting - along with Barbara Windsor, the show's Peggy Mitchell.

Lacey's agent Sharon Harris last night revealed the actress had decided to leave last year.

She said: "She discussed going last summer but signed one more contract.

"EastEnders offered more incredible storylines and the live episode, but she feels it's time to move on."

Enders boss Bryan said: "We'll be very sad to see Lacey leave, she's one of TV's best young actresses. The door will be left open for her to return."



Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...#ixzz0mRid2UGj



Yet another deluded fool who thinks because she has appeared in a soap she can become a movie star

[alan45]

EastEnders stars Lacey Turner and Gillian Wright are to bow out of the soap later this year, Digital Spy can confirm.

The pair - who play bipolar-suffering mother-daughter duo Stacey Branning and Jean Slater - will step down from their roles after almost six years, with Turner in particular expressing her desire to pursue other acting opportunities.

The door for a potential return will be firmly left open for Stacey, while Jean's future has yet to be determined.

Storyliners are currently working on dramatic departures for the two characters.

Speaking of her decision to leave, Turner said: "I've had the most fantastic time at EastEnders. Stacey has been such a brilliant role for me to play, as has being part of the feisty Slater family.

"I'm so lucky to have had such challenging storylines, from the affair with Max and being diagnosed with bipolar to the complete shock of being revealed as Archie's killer during the live 25th Anniversary episode."

She added: "I'll miss Stacey and everyone in Albert Square very much but the time has come to try something different."

New executive producer Kirkwood commented: "We'll be very sad to see Lacey Turner leave the show. Lacey is one of the best young actresses on TV at the moment and the fact that she's won 28 awards in the last five years is testament to this.
"It's only right that someone as talented and versatile as Lacey should pursue new challenges and we wish her the very best of luck."

He continued: "In the meantime, viewers can look forward to a typically dramatic Slater family exit when she leaves and the door will be left open for Stacey Branning to return to Albert Square in the future."

Meanwhile, Wright (above left) said of her departure: "It's been an honour to play Jean especially as the public response to her has always been so supportive. It's been a real privilege to be able to heighten awareness of bipolar disorder.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed working with my onscreen Slater family, in particular working with Lacey and developing such a great rapport over the years."

Kirkwood added: "Gillian has brought real heart and pathos to the role of Jean Slater, a complex and fragile character who has really been taken into the public's affection."

Earlier this month, it was announced that head of the Slater clan, Charlie - Derek Martin - is to leave along with five others.

Turner first appeared in the Albert Square soap in November 2004 and has been a regular ever since, while her screen mother Wright made her brief debut the following month. She reappeared a year later for another short stint, before joining full-time from November 2006.

[Kim]

I guess Stacey is revealed as the killer to everyone else as well then. They'll probably come up with some imaginative way for her to get out of prison if she wants to come back.

[moonstorm]

She will be back in about five years, the same as all of them. BUT I really do hope she makes it as she seems very nice. I will miss Jean and her Sausage Surpirse.

[Katy]

good luck to her, id like to see her make it over here first, albert square straight to hollywood is a bit of a jump, but she is very talented.

[tammyy2j]

Both will be missed

[moonstorm]

That means the only Slater left would be Mo? Wonder if she will be going too as there is no reson for her to stay?

[Siobhan]

That means the only Slater left would be Mo? Wonder if she will be going too as there is no reson for her to stay?

She will move in with the Beales as a kind of grandmother

[moonstorm]

HAHAHA, now that would be good - someone to stand up to Ian. Mind you she could always join him in one of his dodgy business plans.

[Perdita]

I thought they are bring Little Mo, Zoe and of course Kat Slater back? Mo will not be the only Slater left then, will she