Latest news with #LaceyTurner
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Coronation Street and Emmerdale humiliated at British Soap Awards as rival soap wins EIGHT gongs
CORONATION Street were brutally snubbed at the 2025 British Soap Awards as they failed to pick up any of the previously announced awards at this year's ceremony. The annual soap event made a return this year after ITV mysteriously axed the contest in 2024 as Jane McDonald returned for her second year as host of the event. 5 5 5 But it was bad news for Coronation Street as the programme suffered a devastating loss after managing to bag just the specially curated Outstanding Achievement Award which went to Roy Cropper star David Neilson. The show failed to secure wins in any of the main panel or viewer-voted categories amid ITV's ongoing cash crisis and the mass cast exodus at the soap over the past six months. Its ITV counterpart Emmerdale also faced a crushing blow ahead of the impending ITV schedule changes which will see 30 minutes worth of each programme cut a week from January 2026. BBC rival EastEnders swept the board after collecting a total of eight gongs in its 40th anniversary year - more than double its nearest rival, Channel 4's Hollyoaks who got three awards. EastEnders was awarded Best Soap after its huge live episode and anniversary week which saw Anita Dobson return as Angie Watts and Martin Fowler killed off in the arms of his love, Stacey. It was certainly not the only award that they picked up with actress Lacey Turner receiving the trophy for Best Leading Performer ahead of her impending exit from the show. The 40th anniversary also managed to clutch the Scene of the Year thanks to Angie's shock return. Steve McFadden a won a trophy for Best Dramatic Performance as Phil Mitchell but did not attend the ceremony with Angela Wynter and Rudolph Walker also receiving prizes as Patrick and Yolande - beating Corrie fan favourites Lisa Swain and Carla Connor, affectionately known as Swarla, to the Best On-Screen Partnership award. The Walford based soap also collected the Comedy Performance gongs and Villain of the Year. In a major blow to Coronation Street, only David Neilson picked up the Outstanding Achievement Award as Roy Cropper which was presented to him by by his on-screen wife Julie Hesmondhalgh. Emmerdale shock return as Aaron's wedding to serial killer is gatecrashed by ex Hollyoaks managed to win three awards with Isabelle Smith winning as Best Newcomer with The Osbourne family taking home Best Family and the sibling sexual abuse storyline being named Best Storyline. Emmerdale managed just two awards with Amelia Flanagan beating her Corrie star brother Will to the Best Young Performer prize. Mike Plant, one of the show's camera operators, picked up the prestigious off-screen Tony Warren Award accolade for his contributions to the soap behind the scenes. ITV's crushing defeats come amid a period of unrest backstage at the shows. Both Corrie and Emmerdale have lost a number of stars over the past 12 months amid cuts at the channel. In particular, Coronation Street has faced increasing criticism of its far-fetched storylines and dwindling viewer interest in many of its plots. Fans will be able to see all the reaction from the ceremony held at the Hackney Empire during the broadcast of the ceremony this Thursday evening on ITV. 5 5
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
HUGE EastEnders legend set to make shock return to the soap - four years after leaving Albert Square
Jake Wood is reportedly set to reprise his role as legendary love rat Max Branning in EastEnders, four years after leaving Albert Square. The soap star, 52, is making his shock comeback as former on-screen lover Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner, prepares to leave the Walford. Jake bid farewell to his character as he shot his final scenes in December 2020, after playing the character for 15 years. Bosses are reportedly looking forward to Jake to spice up the plots in his shock return. A source told The Sun: 'Jake's return is huge news for EastEnders fans as his character made a massive mark on the show. 'It'll raise some eyebrows after he was absent from the 40th anniversary earlier this year. Bosses are excited about what his character's reappearance means for spicing up the plots. 'There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.' MailOnline has contacted the BBC and Jake's representatives for comment. Last year, Jake gave a cryptic three-word response when quizzed about his potential return to Albert Square as Max. Jake was asked by Kate Garraway and Ed Ball to pick the most likely option between him reprising his iconic soap role or Arsenal FC winning the Premier League. He replied: 'Well, if you ask me which one I'd prefer, I'd prefer Arsenal to win the League... Most likely? I hope Arsenal.' However, Jake also made it clear that, despite currently having 'no plans' to make an EastEnders comeback, the possibility for him to return is always there. He said: 'I've got no plans to go back. They've kept the door open. It's been three and a half years since I've not been there. It's been a while... 'Never say never.' On his departure from EastEnders, Jake shared a goodbye video as he walked around the famous BBC set, and said: 'That's a wrap' as he thanked fans for their support as his time portraying the Albert Square bad boy came to an end. 'Strange day for me, last day on set filming EastEnders after 15 years, playing Max Branning. I'll miss the place, it's the people for me, I made some amazing friends and it's been an incredible life changing experiences. 'Thank you all for your messages of love and support, I have really appreciated all of that, who knows what the future brings? I just wanted to say goodbye to Max Branning and share this with you all.' Jake first joined the EastEnders cast in 2006, and faced his fair share of drama, including womanising, a secret marriage and even being framed for murder. Announcing his departure in September 2020, Jake said: 'I've had 15 wonderful years at EastEnders and have made some truly great friends. 'I'll of course miss everyone there but I'm grateful they have left the door open for Max and I'm excited to see what the next chapter holds.' In his final EastEnders scenes, Max turned his back on Albert Square after realising there was nothing left for him there. In a heartbreaking moment, he left behind his granddaughter Abi after realising she'd be better off being raised by Rainie and Stuart. The Walford bad boy decided to bid farewell after his one-time love Linda Carter once again rejected him and declared that she doesn't love him, despite him getting the Queen Vic back for her. And in another blow, his brother Jack gave him some harsh home truths, with Max then deciding to disappear with beloved granddaughter Abi. But after his car failed to start, he then made to walk to the Tube station with the little one in tow, where the duo bumped into his former love Stacy Slater, with Max saying a cryptic goodbye. However, he then noticed little Abi looking up at her great-aunt Rainie's window and in that moment he chose to leave the tot on her doorstep, deciding that Abi would have a better life with Rainie and husband Stuart. After leaving Abi on Rainie's doorstep, a tearful Max then grabbed his bags and made his way to the tube station as EastEnders' heart wrenching Julia's theme played in the background.
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders shock as legendary love rat RETURNS after 4 years as Lacey Turner prepares to leave soap
EASTENDERS star Jake Wood is making a shock return, The Sun on Sunday can reveal. The actor, 52, will reprise his role as love rat Max Branning later this year in dramatic scenes. 3 3 Jake quit the BBC One soap in 2021 after 15 years to focus on other acting projects. His comeback coincides with former on-screen lover Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner, preparing to depart Walford. A telly source said: 'Jake's return is huge news for EastEnders fans as his character made a massive mark on the show. 'It'll raise some eyebrows after he was absent from the 40th anniversary earlier this year. Bosses are excited about what his character's reappearance means for spicing up the plots. 'There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.' Speaking earlier this year Jake admitted he missed being part of the soap — except for the busy filming regime. He said: 'I don't miss the schedules. Anyone will tell you how hard they are and sort of all-consuming, but obviously I miss a lot of the people. 'When you're at the centre of a big storyline like EastEnders Christmas, something like that — it's a real thrill as an actor to be a part of that, big storylines, big characters. 'I did about two or three live episodes and they were always terrifying, but great fun.' Lothario Max had four marriages and ten affairs — luring a total of 15 women into his bed, including his son Bradley's partner Stacey. EastEnders legend Jake Wood reveals he collapsed on a beach and was just minutes away from death before being saved He left Albert Square to start to a new life in New Zealand. Last weekend, EastEnders scooped a TV Bafta for best soap — with executive producer Kate Oates teasing: 'If you like a return, I don't think you're going to be disappointed because there's potentially one on the cards. We've got some uncharted territory.' Last night EastEnders declined to comment.
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders star Lacey Turner reveals 'never-ending guilt' before quitting the soap opera in shock decision
EastEnders legend Lacey Turner has discussed her 'never-ending guilt' before making the bombshell decision to quit the soap opera. The actress, 37, joined the cast as Stacey Slater in 2004, and after departing in 2010, she reprised her role in 2014, but she is set to leave the show again later this year. She is stepping back to focus on her family life with her husband Matt Kay and their three kids - daughters Dusty, five, and Gipsy, four months, and son Trilby, four. Now, Lacey has opened up about the 'guilt' she previously felt leaving her beloved children to go to work on the long-running BBC show. '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,' she told OK! Magazine. '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.' Lacey said she is looking forward to taking a break, admitting she has never had one before, as she hopes to focus on her family and other work commitments. She also hit back at the judgement that is often placed on parents and said she wants to put an end to the opinion that people have to be 'rich' to good parents. '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,' she said. 'Parenting isn't about money, it's about love, time, and doing your best.' In an interview with MailOnline, Lacey also opened up on cost of living struggles and parenting stigmas, saying: 'It doesn't matter what industry you're in, we're all the same.' 'You do what you can. Ultimately if you strip everything back we're all the same, it doesn't matter what industry you're in,' she added. 'You could be a broker, you could be hairdresser, you could be a gardener - we're all facing the same struggles daily. 'Some people earn more money than others but everyone has different kinds of problems and ultimately underneath that is the judgement. You cannot judge people you don't know, you never know what another person is going through.' According to reports, Lacey earns between £150,000 to £190,000 for her work on the soap, which falls in the same pay bracket as Gillian Taylforth who plays Kathy Beale. Earlier this week, Lacey confirmed she will be leaving EastEnders later this year, with bosses hinting there will be plenty of drama in store before her departure. She told The Sun: 'It's time for myself and Stacey to take a rest and who knows what Stacey will get up to in her time away? Knowing Stacey, it will never be boring.' An EastEnders spokesperson added: 'We can confirm that Lacey will be off-screen later this year, but there is plenty of more drama to come beforehand and we will look forward to planning Stacey's return when Lacey decides the time is right.' A source added: 'Lacey made the decision last year to take some time out from the show, she's had a busy year both on and off screen, so it feels a good time to give Stacey a rest. 'Lacey loves EastEnders, and it's no secret how much EastEnders love Lacey, so it's not a question of if she will be back, but when.' Lacey made a brief return from maternity leave in February to feature in EastEnders' live 40th Anniversary episode, when Stacey's husband Martin Fowler was tragically killed in the Queen Vic explosion. At first, it appeared that Martin had been successfully rescued from underneath the beam, but his heart then stopped as firefighters rushed to try and save him. His ex-wife Stacey (Lacey) was left in floods of tears as Martin died in front of her eyes just moments after he declared his love for her and proposed. The heartbreaking episode ended with Stacey hugging Martin's lifeless body while her screams could be heard by those waiting outside the Queen Vic for news.
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders star slams ‘judgement' over parenting and says ‘the world is mad'
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.' 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.' 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!'
