EastEnders Stacey Slater’s return ‘sealed’ as New Year theory ‘confirmed’

EastEnders fans think Sean Slater’s confirmed comeback to the BBC soap spells the return of Lacey Turner’s character Stacey Slater, and it could be linked to a New Year twist

Could Stacey Slater be confirmed for a New Year’s Day twist on EastEnders?

Fans certainly think so, as they’re predicting that her comeback looms. Lacey Turner is currently not filming with the show, taking extended leave, while she’s also due to star in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

So when Sean Slater’s return was confirmed, fans questioned if Stacey’s own return was imminent. After all, Stacey left to live with her brother Sean in Brazil.

So with Sean coming back for good, surely Stacey will head back too? Fans think it confirms one of two flashforward theories linked to New Year’s Day 2027.

Now that fans know there’s a chance Stacey will be back sooner than we thought, they think she will return at New Year. The other theory that fans have speculated for months and now “seems plausible” is that Stacey could be the pregnant woman in her ex Max Branning’s bed.

So does Sean’s return confirm Stacey is coming back, and are fans right that she will be in the New Year episode? Fans are convinced with one writing: “Stacey is surely not far behind! Return at new year’s??”

Another fan said: “I just had a thought: what if Stacey returns close to new year heavily pregnant by some Brazilian boyfriend, and she cheats with Max while pregnant.” A third fan said: “Stacey will probably soon follow back wherever the Slaters set up home next.

“Lacey’s doing Strictly, an easy commute with both filmed at Elstree to film for NY return?” New Year or not, other viewers were sure a return for Stacey had been sealed.

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A fan said: “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.”

Another posted: “If this doesn’t raise the prospect of Stacey coming back before earlier than we thought, I don’t know what does.” A further comment said: “Surely this means Stacey isn’t too far behind then?”

The theory kept on being shared as one fan posted: “Stacey looms! Return imminent?” Another said: “Does that mean Stacey isn’t far behind bc she went to Brazil to live with him didn’t she.”

Meanwhile, fans have wondered why Stacey won’t return sooner for the funeral of her cousin Zoe Slater, who is reportedly being killed off. Cast members were on location this week filming someone’s send-off, and it’s thought to be Zoe’s as the Slaters were out in force, minus Stacey.

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .