Lacey Turner has opened up about the “never-ending” guilt after quitting EastEnders.
The Stacey Slater actor confirmed this week that she will be departing the BBC One soap yet again later this year.
She explained that she wants to look for new work opportunities, but also spend time with her family, especially after welcoming a new baby earlier this year (and appearing in the live episode just weeks after giving birth).
In a new interview with OK!, Lacey admitted that she can’t help feel bad for leaving her kids behind to go to work, but she also simultaneously struggles with not working.
She said: “The older they get, the more you realise how quickly the little years pass. It’s bonkers. So I take it day by day, week by week.
Kieron McCarron//BBC
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“You feel guilty leaving them, but also guilty for not earning. It’s just never-ending. But we’ve got to stop judging and start supporting each other.”
The door will be open for her to return to EastEnders, but she is hesitant to call it a break.
BBC
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“‘Break’ is a funny word, I don’t think I’ve ever had one!” she added.
Before Lacey makes her departure later this year, there is plenty of drama to come for Stacey. There will be upsetting scenes for her next week, as her mental health deteriorates.
EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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