Who is Lacey Turner? Lacey Amelia Turner is a British actress best known for her role as Stacey Slater on the iconic soap opera EastEnders. Born on March 28, 1988, in Hendon, London, she grew up near the BBC studios, sparking her early interest in acting. Turner has captivated audiences with her powerful performances, especially in storylines tackling mental health issues. With over 30 awards to her name, including National Television Awards and British Soap Awards, she has solidified her place in British television history. Beyond acting, she is a dedicated philanthropist, focusing on mental health awareness and animal welfare.
Key Takeaways:
- Lacey Turner's journey from a young dreamer in London to an award-winning actress on EastEnders showcases the power of pursuing your passions and embracing unexpected opportunities.
- Through her impactful portrayal of Stacey Slater and dedication to mental health awareness, Lacey Turner has left a lasting legacy, inspiring others to embrace their uniqueness and advocate for important causes.
Early Life and Ambitions
Lacey Turner, a name synonymous with British television, has a story that began in the heart of London. Her early life and ambitions set the stage for her future success.
- Lacey Amelia Turner was born on March 28, 1988, in Hendon, London, England.
- Raised by Catholic parents Bev and Les Turner, she grew up with two younger sisters.
- Her family lived in Hertfordshire, near the BBC television studios in Elstree, sparking her interest in acting.
- As a child, she would watch EastEnders from her bedroom window, dreaming of being part of the show.
- Turner attended a local school in Hertfordshire but left to pursue acting after completing her GCSE exams.
Breakthrough Role in EastEnders
Turner's dream of joining EastEnders came true, but not without a twist. Her journey to becoming Stacey Slater is a tale of unexpected opportunities.
- Initially, she auditioned for the role of Demi Miller but was offered the part of Stacey Slater instead.
- She made her first appearance on EastEnders in November 2004, just days after leaving school.
- Stacey Slater quickly became one of the most iconic characters in the show's history.
- Turner's portrayal of Stacey has been praised for its depth and authenticity.
- Her character's storylines have included struggles with bipolar disorder, sexual assault, and postpartum psychosis.
Awards and Recognition
Lacey Turner's talent has not gone unnoticed. Her portrayal of Stacey Slater has earned her numerous awards and accolades.
- Turner has won over 30 awards for her role as Stacey Slater.
- These include four National Television Awards, six British Soap Awards, and eight Inside Soap Awards.
- Her performances have garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades.
- Turner's return to EastEnders in 2014 was met with excitement from fans and critics alike.
- She has since become a regular part of the show, continuing to captivate audiences.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Beyond the screen, Turner leads a fulfilling personal life and is dedicated to various philanthropic causes.
- Turner married Matt Kay in a low-key ceremony in Ibiza in September 2017.
- The couple has two children together, Dusty Violet Kay and a second child whose name has not been publicly disclosed.
- Turner is known for her philanthropic work, particularly in mental health awareness.
- She has been open about her own struggles with mental health, using her platform to raise awareness.
- Turner is also an animal lover and has been involved in various charity work related to animal welfare.
Early Career and Other Television Roles
Before and during her breaks from EastEnders, Turner explored other roles, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
- Before EastEnders, she appeared in stage productions and advertisements, including a notable Haribo advert.
- During her break from EastEnders between 2010 and 2014, Turner appeared in various television dramas.
- Notable roles include Being Human, True Love, Bedlam, Switch, and Our Girl.
- In Our Girl, she played Molly Dawes, a young army recruit.
- In 2014, Turner appeared in an episode of Call the Midwife as Stella Crangle.
Memorable Roles and Performances
Turner's ability to adapt to different characters and genres has been evident throughout her career.
- She starred in the TV series Bedlam as Ellie, exploring supernatural elements in a psychiatric hospital setting.
- In 2012, Turner appeared in the TV series Switch as Stella.
- She played Michelle in the TV mini-series True Love, exploring themes of love and relationships.
- During her break from EastEnders, Turner appeared in an episode of Being Human as Lia.
- In 2011, Turner appeared in the TV movie Frankenstein's Wedding… Live in Leeds as Elizabeth.
Return to EastEnders and Impact on Mental Health Awareness
Turner's return to EastEnders brought with it powerful storylines that raised awareness about mental health issues.
- In 2013, it was announced that Turner would return to EastEnders to reprise her role as Stacey Slater.
- She began filming in January 2014 and made her on-screen return on February 7, 2014.
- Her return was short-lived, as she departed the show again on March 25, 2014, but returned full-time in August 2014.
- Since her full-time return, Turner has been involved in a highly acclaimed postpartum psychosis storyline.
- This storyline has been praised for its realistic portrayal of mental health issues.
Influence and Legacy
Lacey Turner's impact extends beyond her roles, influencing fans and raising awareness about important issues.
- Turner's portrayal of Stacey Slater's mental health struggles has been recognized with several awards.
- Her performances have highlighted the importance of mental health awareness.
- Turner has collaborated with several notable actors, adding depth to her performances.
- She frequently engages with her fans through social media, building a strong bond with her audience.
- Turner's legacy in British television is undeniable, inspiring a generation of young actors and actresses.
Lacey Turner's Lasting Impact
Lacey Turner has left an indelible mark on British television. Her portrayal of Stacey Slater in EastEnders has earned her numerous awards and a dedicated fan base. Beyond her iconic role, she's shown versatility with performances in Our Girl, Call the Midwife, and Being Human. Turner's commitment to mental health awareness and philanthropy highlights her compassionate nature. Her personal life, including her marriage to Matt Kay and their two children, adds another layer to her story. Turner's influence extends beyond the screen, inspiring many with her dedication and talent. Whether she's acting, engaging with fans, or supporting charitable causes, Lacey Turner continues to captivate and inspire. Her legacy in British television is undeniable, and her contributions to the entertainment industry and beyond will be remembered for years to come.
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