Lacey Turner Discusses Miscarriage on EastEnders Set and Motherhood Challenges

Actress Lacey Turner has opened up about the emotional toll of experiencing a miscarriage on the set of the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Turner, who plays Stacey Slater, revealed that she continued working without informing her colleagues about her personal loss. She has since become more vocal about such experiences, emphasizing the need for open conversations surrounding pregnancy loss.

Turner, 38, recounted that she had two miscarriages before welcoming her children. One of these occurred during her time filming EastEnders. "I had become so matter of fact about the subject because I just carried on," she stated, reflecting on her past reaction as "quite sad" and acknowledging a newfound ability to "speak up."

She has since become an advocate for improved medical aftercare and more candid discussions about pregnancy loss. Turner also shared insights into her experience as a working mother, mentioning that she brought her newborn daughter to the EastEnders set, a practice she believes may not have been officially permitted. "I wanted to get stuck back in, so she was partly raised by cast members, assistant directors and makeup artists," Turner said, describing the situation as "lovely" and highlighting that her daughter was "partly raised" by her co-stars and the soap crew.

Turner, who is mother to Dusty, seven, Trilby, five, and Gipsy, 20 months, with husband Matt Kay, also discussed her participation in Strictly Come Dancing. She described the opportunity, as she approaches 40, as a desire to step outside her comfort zone and challenge herself. "Maybe it's a midlife crisis, but I want to show my children that they can do anything they put their mind to," she explained.

Reflecting on a recent break from EastEnders, Turner expressed that the time away with her children and pursuing personal interests like her allotment was unexpectedly enjoyable. While she loves EastEnders and misses her character, Stacey, she remains uncertain about her return date but hopes the character is not killed off. Turner also shared her nerves about appearing on Strictly, expressing a fear of public criticism beyond her acting roles and a broader anxiety about allowing people to see the "real" her, though she is determined not to live in fear.

Turner has also written a memoir titled Gold Dust, celebrating the influential women in her life, including her mother, grandmother, sisters, and long-time friends.

Tommy's, a national charity focused on pregnancy and baby loss, offers support and advice. Their website is www.tommys.org and their helpline can be reached at 0800 0147 800.