BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Sep 23 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 23 2025 Lacey Turner teases 'shock of Stacey's life' as Max returns: 'He has a hold over her' The former lovers are reunited Lacey Turner Max Branning Stacey Slater Share By Joel Harley Sep 23 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 23 2025 EastEnders star Lacey Turner has revealed Stacey Slater’s reaction as Max Branning finally returns to Walford, describing it as the ‘shock of her life.’ This comes as Max makes his shock reappearance at Peter and Lauren’s wedding, leaving both the Brannings and Fowlers reeling. With Stacey planning her exit to Brazil, she’s stunned to be reunited with Max – the man she shared an Earth-shattering affair with, destroying both her marriage and Max’s too. But what fireworks will Max’s return entail? And how will she react to news of Zoe and Max’s romance? Ahead of her impending exit from the soap, Lacey has weighed in on the soap reunion of the year. Max has become intimate with Stacey’s own cousin (Credit: BBC) Eastenders star Lacey Turner reveals Stacey’s ‘shock’ at Max return Speaking of Max’s return, Lacey said: “Seeing Max again gives Stacey the shock of her life. She never expected to see him back in Walford, and she knows full well that whenever he’s around, there’s trouble!” Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers She continued: “Max has always had this hold over Stacey that she has no control over. I don’t know what it is about those two, but they’re always drawn together.” And how will Stacey react to the revelation that Max has become romantically involved with cousin Zoe? Lacey shared: “When Stacey sees Max and Zoe kiss, it’s such a shock. She had no idea they knew each other, let alone that they were a couple, so I think she’s in such disbelief. She feels betrayed by Zoe, but she’s reminded that this is typical Max behaviour as it’s what he always does!” Stacey was shocked when brother Sean invited her to join him in Brazil (Credit: BBC) Stacey’s exit to Brazil looms Lacey also discussed Stacey’s mooted move to Brazil, where she would reunite with brother Sean. This marks Lacey’s departure from the soap, after almost twenty years of playing the role. Of the move to Brazil, Lacey said: “It’s the break that Stacey needs. She’s been through so much and losing Martin has been so hard for her. Walking past his stall everyday is too much. Brazil seems far, but I guess that’s what she needs.” And of the prospect of being separated from daughter Lily and granddaughter Charli? “With Lily and Charli not coming, it nearly makes her change her mind, but I think after Max comes back, seeing him and Zoe together confirms she needs to go. She knows the Slaters will look after them.” Lacey said. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Sep 23 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 23 2025
