Lacey Turner Recounts Miscarriage on EastEnders Set, Calls for Better Support for Mothers
The 'EastEnders' star revealed the emotional toll of experiencing pregnancy loss while working and her experiences as a mother returning to set.
Actress Lacey Turner has shared the profound heartache of suffering a miscarriage on the set of the BBC soap opera 'EastEnders.' In a recent interview, Turner, 38, reflected on her decision to 'just carry on' with her role as Stacey Slater without disclosing her personal tragedy to colleagues at the time.
Turner, who has been with 'EastEnders' since 2004, experienced two miscarriages in October 2017 and March 2018 before welcoming her first child. She described one miscarriage occurring on the show's set. "I had a miscarriage on the set of EastEnders. I had become so matter of fact about the subject because I just carried on," she told Prima magazine. Looking back, she acknowledged the sadness of her reaction and stated she has since learned to "speak up" and be more in tune with her emotions.
She also highlighted the challenges faced by mothers in the workplace, suggesting that the professional world is not adequately structured to support them. Turner recalled 'smuggling' her newborn daughter onto the 'EastEnders' set, an act she believed might not have been permitted. She expressed gratitude that her daughter was 'partly raised' by co-stars, assistant directors, and makeup artists, describing the experience as 'lovely' and a rare opportunity to have her child by her side while returning to work.
Turner, mother to Dusty, seven, Trilby, five, and Gipsy, 20 months, with her husband Matt Kay, is also participating in the upcoming season of 'Strictly Come Dancing.' She views her participation as a potential 'midlife crisis' and an opportunity to step out of her comfort zone as she approaches 40. "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," she stated, aiming to inspire her children by demonstrating they can achieve their goals.
Discussing a recent extended break from 'EastEnders,' Turner found the time away to be a welcome period for personal pursuits, including gardening and spending time with her children. While she expressed love for the show and her character, she remains uncertain about her return, hoping Stacey Slater is not written out permanently.
Turner admitted to nervousness about her 'Strictly Come Dancing' appearance, anticipating public scrutiny beyond her acting roles. Despite past tap-dancing experience, she acknowledged the significant difference and expressed a degree of fear about opening herself up to criticism but is determined not to let fear dictate her actions.
Her new memoir, 'Gold Dust,' explores the influence of strong women in her life, including her mother, grandmother, sisters, and long-term friends. The full interview is featured in the November issue of Prima magazine. Resources for those affected by pregnancy loss, such as the national charity Tommy's, offer advice and support.