Fans of EastEnders are now certain that Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) will make a comeback to Albert Square following the announcement that her brother Sean Slater (Rob Kazinsky) is returning to the BBC One soap. The speculation comes after Sean's return was confirmed, with viewers pointing out that Stacey left last year to join Sean in Brazil.
Stacey's Departure and Sean's Return
Stacey departed Albert Square in October of last year after the return of Max Branning (Jake Wood) and the revelation that he had been sleeping with Zoe (Michelle Ryan). The fan-favourite character headed to Brazil with her children to live with her brother Sean, who was opening a restaurant there. At the time of her emotional exit, EastEnders confirmed that Lacey Turner would return to the soap when the 'time is right'.
Now, with Sean set to stage an almighty comeback 17 years after his original stint ended, fans believe the timing is perfect for Stacey's return. Social media has been buzzing with theories, with one user, Amy, writing on X: 'SEAN COMING BACK TO #EastEnders LONG TERM?!' Another user, @MrVanGriffin, echoed the sentiment: 'does that mean Stacey isn't far behind bc she went to Brazil to live with him didn't she' and added: 'Stacey looms! Return imminent?'
Fan Theories and Strictly Come Dancing
Another fan, Broden, expressed excitement at the prospect of a surprise Stacey comeback, writing: 'the prospect of a surprise stacey comeback when sean returns has really lifted my spirits. the queen of the square is back and i could not be more seated'. The speculation comes as Lacey Turner is set to take part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing, which could make a return difficult. However, it's been known for EastEnders actors to compete for the glitter ball trophy while filming the soap, so it's entirely possible Lacey could do the same if the theory comes to pass.
Fan Debs said: 'I reckon Stacey might have a few scenes', while another, Deryn, speculated: 'So surely stacey's coming back with him for a short stint before strictly then shes back fully after Christmas'.
Rob Kazinsky on His Return
Discussing his return to EastEnders, Rob Kazinsky said: 'I left EastEnders in 2008 as a 23-year-old boy and was lucky to spend the next 19 years of my life working around the world, always championing EastEnders and stating the fact that one day I wanted to walk in Sean's Shoes again, but this time as a man to see who Sean the man might also be.'
He added: 'I wanted to do it for Sean, I wanted to do it for the fans that have supported me in every role since I left the Square but, mostly, I wanted to do it for me. I'm home, and I can't wait to bring a new level of heartfelt chaos to Albert Square in the way only Sean Slater can.'
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
