Actress Lacey Turner has shared intimate details regarding two miscarriages she experienced while filming for the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Speaking to Prima magazine, the 38-year-old star highlighted the difficulties faced by working mothers and her ongoing advocacy for better pregnancy loss support.
The October 2017 and March 2018 pregnancy losses
Lacey Turner revealed that she suffered two miscarriages at the seven-week mark of pregnancy in October 2017 and March 2018. According to a report in Prima magazine, the actress initially chose to remain "matter-of-fact" about her situation, continuing her professional duties on the EastEnders set without informing her colleagues of her grief . This decision to suffer in silence highlights a broader, often unspoken trend where women in high-pressure industries feel compelled to mask personal trauma to maintain professional continuity.
Since these experiences, Turner has become a vocal advocate for improved medical aftercare and more transparent conversations surrounding pregnancy loss. her personal journey aligns with the work of organizations like Tommy's, a national pregnancy and baby charity that provides essential support for those affected by baby loss.
Smuggling a newborn onto the EastEnders set
The actress’s struggle to balance a demanding filming schedule with motherhood led to unconventional parenting methods. Turner explained that because the modern working world is often not designed to accommodate mothers,she once resorted to smuggling her newborn daughter onto the EastEnders set. She noted that her daughter was partially raised by a community of cast members, assistant directors, and makeup artists during her time on the show.
Turner is a mother to three children: her daughter Dusty, aged seven; her son Trilby, aged five; and her youngest daughter, Gipsy, who is 20 months old. While she described the support from the production crew as a "lovely experience," her story serves as a stark commentary on the lack of structural support available to working parents in the entertainment industry.
Stepping into the Strictly Come Dancing spotlight with Vito Coppola
As she approaches her 40th birthday, Turner is embracing new challenges by participating in the current season of Strictly Come Dancing. Partnered with professional dancer Vito Coppola, she described the move as a potential "midlife crisis" that allows her to push past her fears and step outside her comfort zone. This transition marks a significant shift from her long-standing role as Stacey Slater, moving from the scripted world of soap opera to the high-stakes vulnerability of reality television .
Despite the excitement, Turner admitted to feeling terrified of public criticism. She noted that she is nervous about the audience seeing her true personality rather than her established character, though she expressed a desire to lead by example for her children by refusing to live life in fear.
The uncertainty of Stacey Slater's future at the BBC
While Turner is currently enjoying a rare break from her long-term role to tend to her allotment and spend time with her family, her professional future remains somewhat ambiguous. although she expressed a deep love for EastEnders, several questions remain regarding her eventual return to the show. Specifically, the actress has voiced a hope that the BBC does not decide to "kill off" her character during her absence.
In addition to her television work, Turner is focusing on her upcoming memoir, Gold Dust, which explores the influential women in her life, including her mother, grandmother, and sisters. As she navigates this period of transition,the timing of her return to Walford and the creative direction of the Slater family remain unconfirmed.
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