What is Lacey Turner famous for?
Lacey Amelia Turner, born 28 March 1988 in Hendon, London, is an English actress who has become one of the most recognised faces on British television. Her portrayal of Stacey Slater on the BBC soap opera EastEnders has earned her widespread acclaim, multiple awards, and a dedicated fanbase over more than two decades.
Turner first appeared on screen at age 16 after initially auditioning for a different role. She quickly established herself as a central character, and her performance has since been honoured with over 30 industry awards, including four National Television Awards and multiple British Soap Awards. She remains the youngest person ever to win Best Actress at the British Soap Awards, achieving that at age 17.
Born 28 March 1988, Hendon, London
Best known for Stacey Slater in EastEnders (2004–2010, 2014–2025)
Married to Matt Kay (since 2017), three children
Estimated net worth $5 million (approx. £4 million)
Key insights
- Lacey Turner is an award-winning English actress, most famous for her 20-plus-year role as Stacey Slater on EastEnders.
- She has also starred in BBC dramas such as Our Girl and guest-appeared in other UK television series.
- Turner married barber shop owner Matt Kay in a private Ibiza ceremony in September 2017; the couple have three children.
- Her net worth is estimated at $5 million (approximately £4 million), derived primarily from her long-running soap career and subsequent deals.
- In 2025, Turner permanently departed EastEnders and has not confirmed any return to the show; reports indicate she is set to receive a seven-figure payday from new opportunities.
- She advocates for parents who have experienced miscarriages, drawing from her own personal journey.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lacey Amelia Turner |
| Date of Birth | 28 March 1988 |
| Birthplace | Hendon (also cited as Edgware/Barnet), London, England |
| Age (2025) | 37 years old |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) |
| Spouse | Matt Kay (m. 2 September 2017) |
| Children | Three: Dusty Violet (b. 2019), Trilby Fox (b. 2021), unnamed daughter (b. 2025) |
| Known For | Stacey Slater in EastEnders |
| Net Worth (est.) | $5 million (~£4 million) |
| Notable Other Work | Our Girl (2013–present), Bedlam, Being Human |
| Active Since | 2004–present |
Who is Lacey Turner married to?
Lacey Turner is married to Matt Kay, a barber shop owner based in London. The couple married in a private ceremony on the Spanish island of Ibiza in September 2017. Kay, who prefers to stay out of the public eye, has been a steady presence in Turner’s life throughout her television career.
Does Lacey Turner have children?
Yes, Turner and Kay have three children. Their first child, a daughter named Dusty Violet Kay, was born on 12 July 2019 after Turner had suffered two previous miscarriages. Their second child, a son named Trilby Fox Kay, arrived on 3 February 2021. In 2025, the couple welcomed their third child, a daughter whose name has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
Turner has been open about her experience with miscarriages and has become an advocate for other parents who have gone through similar loss. She has used her platform to raise awareness and support.
Who is Lacey Turner’s best friend Liv?
Turner occasionally mentions a close friend named Liv on social media, but the full identity of this friend has not been officially confirmed. Liv is believed to be a personal friend outside the entertainment industry. Without public documentation or a named source, the relationship remains part of Turner’s private life.
What movies and TV shows has Lacey Turner been in?
Turner is primarily a television actress, with her most significant and enduring role being Stacey Slater on EastEnders. The character first appeared in 2004 and remained until 2010, then returned in 2014 before departing permanently in 2025. Beyond Albert Square, she has built a varied filmography of British television dramas.
Notable television credits
- EastEnders (2004–2010, 2014–2025) – Stacey Slater (lead role)
- Our Girl (2013–present) – Molly Dawes
- Bedlam (2012) – Alice
- Switch (2012) – Various roles
- Being Human (2011) – Lia Shaman (2 episodes)
- True Love (2012) – guest appearance
- Call the Midwife (2014) – guest appearance
- Frankenstein’s Wedding (2011, TV movie) – Elizabeth Lavenza
What is Lacey Turner doing now in 2025?
In 2025, Turner is focusing on life outside of Walford. She announced she would quit EastEnders to pursue new opportunities, and reports suggest she has secured a seven-figure payday from new deals. No other television projects have been announced publicly as of early 2025, but her departure from the soap marks a significant career shift.
Is Lacey Turner returning to EastEnders?
There is no confirmed return for Lacey Turner to EastEnders in 2025. On the contrary, 2025 is the year she left the show permanently after a long association. She previously returned in 2014 after an initial departure in 2010, but current sources indicate her 2025 exit is final. No announcements of a future return have been made by Turner or the BBC.
Despite fan speculation and some media reports suggesting a possible comeback, Turner has not confirmed any plans to reprise her role as Stacey Slater after her departure. All available evidence points to a complete exit from the soap opera in 2025.
What is Lacey Turner’s net worth?
Lacey Turner’s net worth is estimated at $5 million, which is approximately £4 million. This figure is derived from multiple celebrity wealth databases and media reports. Her primary income source has been her long-running role on EastEnders, but following her exit, reports indicate she is set to earn a seven-figure sum from new business deals.
As with many soap actors, exact salary details are not publicly disclosed. The estimate reflects consistent employment on a flagship BBC show for over two decades, along with earnings from other television appearances and potential brand partnerships.
Net worth figures for celebrities are often speculative. Turner’s estimated $5 million comes from sources such as Celebrity Net Worth, OK! Magazine, and other biographical outlets. They should be treated as approximations rather than confirmed financial statements.
Timeline: Key milestones in Lacey Turner’s life and career
- : Born in Hendon, London, England.
- : Joins EastEnders as Stacey Slater at age 16 after initially auditioning for the role of Demi Miller.
- : Becomes the youngest winner of Best Actress at the British Soap Awards at age 17.
- : Departs EastEnders for the first time.
- : Stars in the TV movie Frankenstein’s Wedding as Elizabeth Lavenza and appears in Being Human.
- : Appears in Bedlam, Switch, and True Love.
- : Begins starring as Molly Dawes in BBC drama Our Girl.
- : Returns to EastEnders and also guest-stars in Call the Midwife.
- : Marries Matt Kay in a private ceremony in Ibiza.
- : Gives birth to daughter Dusty Violet Kay.
- : Gives birth to son Trilby Fox Kay.
- : Departs EastEnders permanently; gives birth to third child (unnamed daughter); reportedly secures seven-figure payday from new deals.
What is certain and what remains unclear about Lacey Turner’s life?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Lacey Turner was born on 28 March 1988 in Hendon, London. | Her exact net worth is not publicly confirmed; estimates range from $5 million to other figures depending on the source. |
| She played Stacey Slater on EastEnders from 2004 to 2010 and again from 2014 to 2025. | Whether she will ever reprise the role of Stacey Slater in the future is unknown; no official announcements have been made. |
| She married Matt Kay on 2 September 2017 and they have three children. | The identity of her close friend Liv has not been officially confirmed, and it remains a private matter. |
| She has won over 30 acting awards, including four National Television Awards and multiple British Soap Awards. | Her future television projects are not yet publicly known beyond the departure from EastEnders. |
Background and career context
Lacey Turner’s career follows a path common among British soap actors who achieve national recognition through a long-running role. Her portrayal of Stacey Slater brought her into the homes of millions and earned critical praise for handling storylines involving mental health, relationships, and family drama.
Her move into the BBC drama Our Girl demonstrated versatility beyond soap, but she ultimately returned to EastEnders, which has remained her primary professional identity. In terms of personal life, Turner has maintained a relatively low-key celebrity persona, unlike some of her more tabloid-focused co-stars.
Net worth estimates for soap actors are inherently speculative because BBC salaries are not publicly disclosed. However, consistent employment on a flagship programme for over 20 years, combined with endorsement deals and post-exit opportunities, suggests significant financial stability.
Sources and key quotes
“I’ve grown up with Stacey, she’s a part of me.”
— Lacey Turner, in a 2022 EastEnders interview with the BBC
“Lacey is one of the most talented actresses of her generation in soap.”
— Executive Producer, EastEnders (2020 press release)
These statements reflect the deep connection Turner feels with the character she played for two decades and the high regard in which she is held by the show’s production team.
Summary: What we know about Lacey Turner in 2025
Lacey Turner remains a celebrated figure in British television, best known for her award-winning portrayal of Stacey Slater. In 2025, she has stepped away from EastEnders for good, focusing on her family—now with three children—and pursuing new professional ventures that reportedly come with a seven-figure payout. While many details of her future plans are not yet public, her legacy as one of soap’s most decorated actresses is firmly established. For readers interested in other British actresses, you might also read our profile on Billie Piper – Biography, Career, and Life in 2026 or Emilia Clarke – Biography, Career, and 2026 Plans.
Frequently asked questions about Lacey Turner
Is Lacey Turner on Instagram?
Yes, her Instagram handle is @laceyturner. She shares personal photos and updates with her followers.
What is Lacey Turner’s real name?
Her full name is Lacey Amelia Turner.
Did Lacey Turner leave EastEnders?
She permanently left the show in 2025. She had previously taken maternity leave in 2024, but her departure this year is final according to current sources.
Who does Lacey Turner play in EastEnders?
She plays Stacey Slater, a central character known for dramatic storylines involving mental health, relationships, and family conflicts.
How many children does Lacey Turner have?
She has three children: two daughters (Dusty Violet, born 2019, and an unnamed daughter born 2025) and a son (Trilby Fox, born 2021).
How tall is Lacey Turner?
She is 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) tall.
What other TV shows has Lacey Turner been in?
She has appeared in Our Girl, Bedlam, Switch, Being Human, True Love, Call the Midwife, and the TV movie Frankenstein’s Wedding.
When was Lacey Turner born?
She was born on 28 March 1988.
Is Lacey Turner returning to EastEnders in 2025?
No, 2025 is the year she permanently left the show. There are no confirmed plans for a return.
What is Lacey Turner’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at $5 million (approximately £4 million), though exact figures are not publicly confirmed.
Jack Thomas Clarke Thompson is a staff writer for PopCultureDaily.co.uk, covering entertainment news, film, television, streaming and celebrity culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Harriet Winslow and Managing Editor Lucas Bennett, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.