EastEnders actress Lacey Turner has opened up about the heartache of suffering a miscarriage on the set of the BBC soap and revealed how she learned to speak up years later. The 38-year-old star, who played Stacey Slater on the program, explained that she initially carried on working without telling anyone what she was going through during the ordeal.
Speaking in a candid new interview, Turner disclosed that she went on to smuggle her newborn daughter onto the set after returning to work, resulting in the child being partly raised by her fellow cast members, assistant directors, and makeup artists.
The actress, who is currently competing on Strictly Come Dancing, suffered two miscarriages at seven weeks of pregnancy in October 2017 and March 2018 before welcoming her first child with her husband Matt Kay. Reflecting on the tragic loss she experienced while filming, Turner explained how her attitude toward the trauma developed over time.
Turner told Prima magazine: "I had two miscarriages before my children were born… I had a miscarriage on the set of EastEnders. I had become so matter of fact about the subject because I just carried on. Looking back, it’s quite sad to know I reacted in such a way. Everyone was so supportive when I told them, and now, I’ve learned to be more in tune and speak up."
Following her personal experiences with pregnancy loss, Turner has actively campaigned for improved medical aftercare and encouraged more open conversations surrounding the issue. Pregnancy loss remains a deeply sensitive topic, and organizations across the United Kingdom continue to advocate for stronger workplace support and clinical guidance for grieving families.
Smuggling Her Newborn Daughter onto Set
Addressing the challenges faced by working mothers, Turner recounted how she navigated returning to the Albert Square production after giving birth to her first child. She admitted that she took unconventional steps to balance her television career with caring for her baby.
Turner said: "I smuggled my newborn daughter on to the EastEnders set. I don’t think I was allowed, but I wanted to get stuck back in, so she was partly raised by cast members, assistant directors and makeup artists. It was lovely to be able to go back to work and have her by my side, which is rare. The world is not set up for mothers to be able to do that."
The actress is a mother of three, sharing daughter Dusty, seven, son Trilby, five, and daughter Gipsy, 20 months, with her childhood sweetheart Matt Kay, whom she married after years of being together. Balancing a high-profile soap opera career with raising a young family presents unique demands, particularly on continuous production schedules like those of major serial dramas.
Joining Strictly Come Dancing and Pushing Boundaries
Now approaching a major personal milestone, Turner described her decision to join the latest series of BBC One's flagship entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing as a way to challenge herself. She has been partnered with professional dancer Vito Coppola for the competition.
Turner confessed that taking part in the dance competition felt like a pivotal moment in her life as she gets closer to turning 40 years old. She explained her motivation for signing up despite feeling apprehensive about step-by-step public evaluation.
Turner said: "I’m nearly 40 and I want to start doing things I’m scared of. I want to go out of my comfort zone and push myself to see what I’m capable of. Maybe it’s a midlife crisis, but I want to show my children that they can do anything they put their mind to."
She revealed that she had previously turned down opportunities to join the program after seeing former EastEnders co-stars manage the grueling double workload. Turner noted that observing actors such as Jake Wood, who played Max Branning, and Kellie Bright, who starred as Linda Carter, juggle filming and dancing left her astonished at their stamina.
Turner said: "I’ve been asked to do Strictly Come Dancing before. I’ve seen co-stars like Jake Wood and Kellie Bright work at the same time as doing the show, and I don’t know how they did it."
She admitted to feeling anxious about stepping out from behind a fictional persona and presenting her authentic self to millions of viewers each week. Turner acknowledged that putting herself in the spot of public scrutiny brings fresh fears.
Turner said: "I’m nervous for people to see more of Lacey. I’m opening myself up to people criticising me, not just my character. I’m quite terrified of the whole thing, and while I tap-danced when I was younger, this is very different. I am a bit scared of letting people in, but you can’t live your life in fear."
Taking a Break from EastEnders and Future Plans
Turner first joined EastEnders in 2004 as Stacey Slater, quickly becoming one of the soap's most prominent figures. She remained on the long-running drama until 2010 before returning for a second major stint from 2014 until 2025, taking center stage in numerous high-profile storylines over more than two decades.
The star recently stepped away from the serial drama to enjoy an extended hiatus from work, marking the first time in her career that she has taken a prolonged break. Turner described how she has been spending her time away from television cameras.
Turner said: "For the first time in my life, I’ve had a long-time off work, and it’s been lovely to be with my kids, potter around in my allotment and do things just for me. I genuinely love EastEnders and working, so I thought I would get bored during this break, but it’s been so lovely."
When asked whether she plans to reprise her iconic role as Stacey Slater in the future, Turner expressed deep affection for the show while leaving the exact timing open. She emphasized her ongoing connection to the long-standing BBC drama.
Turner said: "Will I come back to EastEnders? It will always have my heart and will be a big part of me. I love the show. I miss Stacey, so one day, I hope to go back - but when that is, I’m not sure. I just hope they don’t kill her off!"
Writing Memoir Gold Dust and Seeking Baby Loss Support
In addition to her television work and family life, Turner has written a new memoir titled Gold Dust, which focuses on the influential women who have shaped her life and career. She explained that highlighting her support network felt like a natural choice when putting pen to paper.
Turner said: "I’ve been supported by such strong women at home and work, so it made sense to write about them. My mum is amazing, my nan is such a character, my sisters are like my best friends, and I’ve had the same girl friends since I was 13."
The complete interview with Lacey Turner can be read in the November issue of Prima magazine, which goes on sale on Wednesday, September 23.
For individuals and families seeking support regarding pregnancy loss, Tommy's is a national pregnancy and baby charity offering expert advice, research-backed guidance, and assistance. Anyone affected by baby loss can access resources through the official website at www.tommys.org or call the dedicated helpline on 0800 0147 800.
