Lacey Turner, best known for her role as Stacey Slater on the long-running BBC One soap opera EastEnders, is set to return to the show for a brief stint before making a full-time comeback. The 38-year-old actress has played Stacey on and off since 2004, with the character leaving the fictional town of Walford in October 2025 to help her on-screen brother Sean Slater (played by Rob Kazinsky) open a restaurant in Brazil. Stacey’s departure was influenced by key events in the storyline, including the return of characters like Max Branning and Zoe Slater, as well as the death of Martin Fowler. Now, she is reportedly coming back to the EastEnders world soon. According to The Sun, Lacey will reprise her role for a few episodes around New Year’s, with the possibility of a more permanent return later in 2027. Metro has reached out to EastEnders for an official statement, but no confirmation has been given yet. This return comes at a particularly busy time for Lacey, who is currently preparing for the 2026 season of Strictly Come Dancing, a popular BBC show where celebrities dance with professional partners. The new season, starting this Saturday, features notable participants like Lawrence Robb from Emmerdale, and will be hosted by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, replacing previous hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. In related news, Rob Kazinsky, who plays Sean Slater, is also returning to EastEnders. His return marks the first time Sean will be permanently based in Walford in 17 years. Kazinsky shared his excitement about the role, saying he left the show in 2008 as a young man and spent the next 19 years working globally while always supporting EastEnders. He expressed his desire to return as a more mature version of Sean, aiming to bring a new depth to the character and the show. Fans of EastEnders are eagerly awaiting the return of both Stacey and Sean Slater, as their presence is expected to bring significant developments to the ongoing storylines in Albert Square. With Lacey and Rob both returning to the show, the soap is set for a dramatic and emotional revival.