EastEnders star slams ‘judgement' over parenting and says ‘the world is mad'

Daily Mirror

17-05-2025

Soap icon Lacey Turner, who recently revealed she's taking a break from EastEnders, thinks we need to judge less and support more - especially where raising kids is concerned
Actress Lacey Turner, who days ago revealed she has decided she's ready for a break from EastEnders, after 21 years, has opened up in an exclusive chat with OK! about the intense pressure women feel around motherhood. The 37-year-old mum-of-three, who explained she is leaving Walford - for now, anyway - to spend more time on other projects and enjoy family life with barber husband Matt Kay, and their three children, said, 'There's so much pressure out there."
She added: There's so many products, so much advice. You feel like a rabbit in the headlights. But really, we need to get back to basics. And we have to reduce the stigma around formula use – just like other things we've learned to talk about over the years. Talking opens the door for others. It makes the conversation normal, and that helps reduce the stigma.'
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The star is backing. a campaign by Bonya's Formula Fog Hub, part of which i s spreading the message that spending more doesn't automatically equate to higher quality something the London-born actress feels very strongly about, saying:'I want us to get rid of the judgment. No more comparing. No more pressure to have the 'best' of everything.
She adds: "I want people to stop thinking they have to be rich to be good parents. 'I'd love to get rid of the judgment. The world is mad enough without people being judged for how they parent. I want this campaign to shift the stigma. You don't need to have the most expensive formula or toys or pram.
'I overheard a couple saving up to have a baby. That shouldn't be the case. Parenting isn't about money. It's about love, time, and doing your best.'
Lacey, who lives in a stunning house in Hertfordshire, which the couple bought in 2020, has Dusty, five, son Trilby, four, and their newest daughter Gipsy Olive, born in January this year. and admits of her offspring, 'Time flies,' as she adds that her kids are both 'lovely and challenging'.
'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. '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.'
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Seven years on, Lacey laughs as she remembers her approach to motherhood for the first time, when she was pregnant with Dusty Violet. 'Before I even had my first child, the list of stuff I was told I needed was ridiculous,' she smiles. 'My nan always said, 'All they need is a full belly, clean clothes, and you.' And she was right. Sometimes, I just look at Matt and go, 'Are we doing this right?' But the kids are happy, healthy and (mostly) dressed, so we must be doing OK.'
Lacey, who this year also launched her podcast We Started Here podcast, which sees her chat to other soap stars (including Anita Dobson and Jessie Wallace) abouttheir careers, adds. 'We're all just trying our best. And whatever your best looks like, that is enough. Right now, I'm just soaking up the baby cuddles and focusing on family life. But I do miss the chaos of the Square and my work family!'