EastEnders’ Lacey Turner wows fans with ‘performance of her life’ just weeks after giving birth

EastEnders’ fans have heaped praise on Lacey Turner for her powerhouse performance as Stacey Slater in Thursday’s live episode, just weeks after she gave birth. The actress is currently on maternity leave from the BBC soap, having welcomed her third child – a daughter called Gipsy – last month.

Having filmed all of her non-live scenes for the show’s 40th anniversary episodes before her leave, Lacey returned to the show’s studios at Elstree as Stacey took a central role in Thursday’s live instalment. Fans watched through tears as Stacey said her final goodbyes to ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye), who tragically became the second life to be claimed following the explosion that ripped through the Queen Vic earlier this week.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. The former couple had shared an emotional reunion in the rubble of the pub, before a steel beam fell and crushed Martin on Wednesday.

As Martin fought for his life, the live episode then saw the couple make plans to marry and make tearful yet joke-filled speeches. However, as it became apparent to Stacey that Martin was not going to pull through, she devastatingly pretended things were still fine to him, as they shared some loving final kisses.

As Martin then flatlined, Stacey’s screams could be heard ringing out across the Square as the gathered locals realised the worst had happened. As the credits rolled with Stacey cradling Martin’s body amid the rubble of the Vic, fans were emotional wrecks at have lost such a legacy character.

They were also wowed at both actors’ performances, but particularly praised Lacey for delivering such powerful scenes just weeks after giving birth. ‘So you’re telling me Lacey Turner filmed a stunt heavily pregnant, gave birth, came back a few weeks later and carried a live episode? Where’s this woman’s pride of Britain award? Get her a knighthood pronto!’ one fan wrote on X.

Another said: ‘The producers said “can you come back for the live episode even though you’re on maternity?” But all Lacey Turner heard was “can you come back for the live episode and give one of the best performances of eternity?”. A third posted: ‘This ENDED me. There is nobody like Lacey Turner. The way she manages to make you FEEL everything she’s going through is insane talent. Two live episodes 15 years apart and she smashed them horh. I’m in turmoil.’.

‘Lacey Turner is the definition of “master of your craft”,’ another agreed. ‘Central in two live eps, despite one being when she was ill & one being a month after she’d given birth!!. ‘Her talent is off the charts – definitely one of the best actors soap has ever had! What a woman.’.

Another fan said: ‘That was some KIT day for Lacey Turner wasn’t it, turning up 4 weeks PP, and gives the performance of her life..’. ‘Lacey Turner is quite simply one of THE best actresses that has ever graced a soap,’ another user posted on X. ‘To do that tonight LIVE when she gave birth just a couple of weeks ago, completely perfectly, I mean Jesus Christ give the woman ALL the awards. All of #EastEnders take a bow for this week.’.

Fans also praised the work she and her long-time co-star James produced together in Martin’s final scenes. ‘BREAKING NEWS: Lacey Turner and James bye just received a 15 minute standing ovation from me in my bedroom,’ one fan wrote. A second posted: ‘Incredible work from James Bye and Lacey Turner to make a live episode look like it’s an everyday occurrence to them. Flawless performances given the pressure and expectations!’.

A third said: ‘No exaggeration to say I thought that was actually world-class acting from James Bye and Lacey Turner on Eastenders tonight. Flawless live performances. ‘TOP CLASS PERFORMANCES,’ another wrote. ‘Lacey Turner and James Bye are the best of the best. And to do all of that LIVE.’.

As a new dawn breaks on Walford next week, there are more emotional scenes ahead as Stacey and the rest of Martin’s family and friends come to terms with his death. EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.

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