Latest news with #StaceySlater
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders character making shock return after eight years offscreen – but is being recast
EASTENDERS is bringing back a character last seen on screen eight years ago - in a shock recast. The Sun exclusively revealed the upcoming return of Max Branning to Walford as actor Jake Wood reprises the role he left four years ago. 3 3 3 But now it can be revealed that he won't be returning alone. The BBC soap is set to begin rebuilding one of its main families with the Brannings to take centre stage once more. Max's comeback will also see his son Oscar arrive in Walford for the first time since 2017 - and he's being played by a brand new recast. Actor Pierre Moullier will play the now teenage Oscar taking over the role from Charlee Hall who last appeared in eight years ago. A source said: 'It is an exceptional bout of casting - Pierre looks more like a younger Jake than Jake did himself. It's uncanny. 'He's going to bring something new to Oscar and the character will definitely set the cat amongst the pigeons in the Square.' Actor 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. EastEnders changes famous theme in honour of Max Branning's exit after 15yrs '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.' EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far? Tracy-Ann Oberman - Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago. Paul Bradley - Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago. Micheal French - French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago. Patsy Palmer - Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019. Ricky Groves - Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009. Cliff Parisi - Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010. Ross Kemp - Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp's storyline as "explosive". Kemp said it was an "absolute honour" to return to the show. Other aspects of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode. Earlier this month 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.'
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Legendary EastEnders villain addresses possible return to BBC soap – over a decade after iconic storyline
AN EASTENDERS villain has broken his silence on a possible return to Albert Square - despite being killed off in one of the soap's most iconic storylines over a decade ago. EastEnders legend Larry Lamb addressed the possibility of a shock return from beyond the grave for Archie Mitchell. 4 4 More than a decade ago, his villainous alter ego Archie Mitchell was bumped off in one of the soap's most explosive Christmas whodunnits. The 77-year-old national treasure played the twisted crook and rapist for 18 months, before he met his maker courtesy of Stacey Slater and a deadly blow from the Queen Vic bust. When asked if a fat paycheck might tempt him back to Albert Square, Larry told The Express: "It's not about that. People have got to be prepared to face the fact that stories come to an end. "Archie Mitchell had his day. They wrote a character that was so strong, so powerful, what are you going to do? "You can't go back and pretend he's come back to life." He added: "You know, I had a wonderful time doing it, the same as I had a wonderful time doing Gavin & Stacey, but that's it, the story is done. That's it." Meanwhile, The Sun on Sunday revealed that actor Jake Wood is making a shock return to EastEnders as Max Branning - after four years away. The star, 52, will reprise his role as love rat later this year in dramatic scenes. 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. EastEnders most shocking deaths from Barry's cliff fall to Ronnie and Roxie's drowning 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.' Most devastating soap deaths SOAP viewers are frequently left heartbroken after watching some of their favourite characters bite the dust. Here is a list of the most devastating deaths that have taken place in soapland over the years. EASTENDERS Barry Evans - Evil Janine (Charlie Brooks) lured her trusting fiance to Scotland for a quickie marriage after learning he was dying. Her plan to inherit Barry's fortune was thwarted when Barry told her that the doctors had mixed up his medical files. Furious that she was no longer set for a windfall, she pushed Barry off a cliff after telling him their love was 'fake'. Bradley Branning - Bradley was accused of killing Stacey Slater's rapist Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb) after he punched him twice on the night he died. He was spotted in the Square by a police woman who chased him up a fire escape. Bradley lost his balance and tragically plunged to his death. CORONATION STREET Tina McIntyre - Tina was getting it on with Peter Barlow - despite him being married to Carla Connor. When she threatened to reveal the truth, Carla's brother Rob got into a physical altercation with her. Tina lost her footing and fell off a balcony - then warned Rob she was going to tell the cops he pushed her. In a panic, Rob brutally clobbered her over the head with a metal pipe. Molly Dobbs - Molly was one of the victims in Corrie's 2010 tram crash, alongside Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold). Married to Tyrone (Alan Halsall), Molly had been having an affair with Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell) in the months before her death. This resulted in the birth of their son, Jack (Kyran Bowes), who was named after Jack Duckworth. As fate would have it, Kevin's wife Sally (Sally Dynevor) was by Molly's side in her final moments. Sally was stunned as Molly confessed Kevin was Jack's father, before dying of her injuries. Vera Duckworth - Having appeared regularly in Corrie since the 1970s, there was no denying Vera Duckworth was an iconic character. Alongside her husband Jack, the pair formed one of the soap's most beloved couples. Viewers were heartbroken when Vera was killed off in 2008, being discovered having passed away peacefully in her chair. Liz Dawn, who played Vera, made a brief return two years later for Bill Tarmey's exit as Jack. Paul Foreman - Fans were heartbroken when Paul Foreman succumbed to his illness after battling motor neurone disease. Introduced in 2018 as David Platt's (Jack P. Shepherd) cellmate, he later embarked on a romance - and marriage - with vicar Billy Mayhew. The MND storyline was announced in 2023 - with the expectation it would result in the character's death. EMMERDALE Sarah Sugden - After the family got into financial problems, Sarah's son Andy (Kelvin Fletcher) decided to make some quick cash from an insurance company by setting fire to the Sugden barn. He didn't realise his mum was inside the building, and she got trapped in the blaze. Nine villagers - The shocking 1993 plane crash episode brought in 18 million viewers for Emmerdale. Mark Hughes was killed by a falling wall, Archie Brooks was burned by jet fuel, Elizabeth Pollard was killed by debris and newcomer Leonard Kempinski died in a car crash caused by the crash. Five other non-recurring characters from the village also died. HOLLYOAKS Carmel McQueen - The talented singer died in shocking scenes when a train crashed into a her family's car. Carmel managed to free her cousin Theresa from the rubble - but got stuck in it herself. Moments later the train exploded and Carmel died in the arms of her family members, promising to be their guardian angel. Lothario Max had four marriages and ten affairs - luring a total of 15 women into his bed, including his son Bradley's partner Stacey. He left Albert Square to start to a new life in New Zealand. This comes after 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.' EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. 4 4
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.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders horror as explosive trailer teases horrifying death as car plunges into a river
THERE looks to be more devastation hitting Albert Square very soon, with a brand new trailer confirming an explosive car accident on EastEnders. Although the residents are only just recovering from the heartbreak of the Queen Vic's explosion, there is more trouble in store in Walford. 5 5 The BBC have shared a new trailer for EastEnders which showcases a car careering into a river at high-speed. The explosive first-look clip was shared to the soap's social media channels with the caption: "Who's in danger?" The video gives away no clues as to who could be inside the car as it appears to be involved in a head-on smash before going off the edge of a viaduct and straight into the river. It led one fan to question: "Is one of the characters going to die?" Theories among the EastEnders fan base have already run wild with many speculating that it could involve Barney and Teddy Mitchell and the revelation that Zack Hudson is his real father. One fan wrote on X: "My theory is, this is when Zack attempts to kidnap Barney & Teddy or Nicola gives chase. Nicola fires her gun at the car, Zack loses control, the car crashes with Barney & Zack inside." As another stated: "Probably Teddy or Nicola. Or both." Moreover, some fans speculated that iconic character Stacey Slater could be involved in the smash after it was revealed that actress Lacey Turner had quit the show. Bosses revealed that Stacey will be leaving the soap in a dramatic exit later this year so could this be the way she goes for good? The Sun were the first to reveal that Lacey had decided to leave the programme following the birth of her third child. EastEnders star's secret romps revealed as they're caught on camera and blackmailed in shock twist The star, who first joined the soap 21 years ago, has with documentary maker hubby Matt Kay, a 5-year-old daughter named Dusty Violet, a 3-year-old son named Trilby Fox, and a baby daughter named Gipsy Olive, who was born in January, this year. Lacey 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." A soap insider said: "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.' 5 5 5
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders fans spot huge ‘clue' ANOTHER star is set to leave after Stacey Slater exit is confirmed
EASTENDERS fans have spotted a huge 'clue' that another star is set to leave the show - after Stacey Slater exit was confirmed. Soap legend Lacey Turner, 37, who plays Stacey on the show, is leaving the BBC show later this year. 3 3 The actress will be off screens to focus on life and opportunities outside of Walford, but bosses have promised that there is lots of drama to come for her character beforehand. The star, who first joined the soap 21 years ago, has with hubby Matt Kay, a 5-year-old daughter named Dusty Violet, a 3-year-old son named Trilby Fox, and a baby daughter named Gipsy Olive, who was born in January, this year. Lacey 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." A soap insider said: "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.' But, now fans of the soap are worried that another huge character is also set to leave the square. Earlier this year, viewers were left heart broken as they watched Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) go through a traumatic and heart-breaking depression. confessed to her affair with Grant (Ross Kemp). And fans are now worried that the much loved actor is leaving the soap too or at least taking a break. A viewer on Reddit has posted a poster of Steve that advertises his role in an upcoming pantomime Aladdin. Lacey Turner reveals she 'hasn't stopped crying' since heartbreaking moment with James Bye after final EastEnders scene They captioned the image: "What does this mean for Phil in EastEnders this year?" Fans of the show were quick to respond and one said: "I reckon Nigel probably dies around Christmas time. "And Phil leaves shortly after to spend time with Louise in Portugal or something and is back in February like what usually happens most years." Another added: "Nigel dies at Christmas and Phil leaves to find Nigel's family and tell them." EastEnders stars who QUIT MICHELLE Collins has seen her second EastEnders stint boost her bank balance. Yet what stars have quit this year? The Sun exclusively reported how Michelle, 62, was down to £20,000 in her company accounts when she agreed to a shock back-from-the-dead return to Albert Square last year. Her character, Cindy Beale, was presumed dead off-camera in 1998. Yet what about the 2024 exits? Earlier this summer, loyal soap fans appeared to note how Stevie Mitchell had "quit" the long-running series. It came after Alan Ford enjoyed just six-months on-screen. Bobby Beale actor Clay Milner Russell also left this year after five years in Walford. Fans also feared Martin Fowler actor James Bye would "quit out of boredom" over recent storylines. Additionally, a host of stars have quit the BBC soap for Hollywood fame. One of the most successful stars to come from the BBC One soap is Rob Kazinsky. He played Stacey Slater's brother Sean Slater from 2006 to 2009, he has starred in Hollywood blockbusters Pacific Rim and Captain Marvel. Ben Hardy, who quit EastEnders as Bobby Beale almost a decade ago, went on to break Hollywood the following year, when he starred as Archangel in X-Men: Apocalypse. Since then, he has played Roger Taylor in Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, and he starred in Michael Bay 's Netflix movie 6 Underground. Michelle Ryan played Zoe Slater until 2005. She starred as the lead in short-lived American series Bionic Woman from 2007 to 2008. "EastEnders is known for being very restrictive with what actors can do in their spare time. "I remember Shona McGarty saying part of her decision to leave was to explore new opportunities she couldn't do whilst on the show, such as her singing career, stage shows, content that's perhaps quite not safe for prewatershed viewing etc," explained a third. While another thought Phil might be going to see Ben and said: "He could be going to Portugal or at least a trip in America to see Ben with Callum and Lexi if they are going there too." "Means nothing, Steve McFadden does panto every year. Phil will be off screen for about a couple months and back around the new year probably," stated a fifth EastEnders fan. Meanwhile, soap viewers are fearing the worst as rumours swirl of a massive cast shake-up - with five Albert Square favourites tipped for the chop following Stacey Slater's shock departure. BBC soap is gearing up for a brutal mass cull that could change Walford forever.
