EastEnders’ next big character’s return ‘sealed’— and Stacey Slater is in for a shock
EastEnders is no stranger to bringing back a beloved character to the soap - and now fans are convinced one Walford legend is heading back as they say it is “obvious”
EastEnders fans have predicted the return of a soap legend – but it will be a huge surprise to Stacey Slater.
Slater sister Stacey (Lacey Turner) first appeared on the soap back in 2004. Making her debut when she was just 16, Lacey has gone on to become one of the soap’s most-loved stars.
Over the years, Lacey’s had some big storylines too playing Stacey. From her bipolar battle to murder, Stacey’s time in Walford has not been short of drama.
What’s more, it’s fair to say Stacey has had her fair share of romances too throughout her stint. She famously married the beloved Bradley Branning (Charlie Clements) back in 2007 and who could forget her iconic affair storyline with his dad Max Branning (Jake Wood).
Walford womaniser Max hasn’t been seen on the soap since February 2021 when his failed romance with baby mama Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) left him feeling he had nothing and left in Albert Square. He then fled to Croatia with his granddaughter Abi Branning by his side.
Meanwhile, daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) rocked back up to the square at the start of the year. She returned home with cousin Penny (Kitty Castledine) at the start of the year.
But now, fans are certain that Max is the “likely character to make a huge comeback”. Over on an EastEnders fan forum page titled: “EE – The next big return,” fans shared their theories.
One person said: “Personally I think Max is probably the character who would have a lot of storylines straight away: Unresolved feelings for Linda, Finding out Annie is his daughter, Reconnecting with Lauren, Sparring with Cindy over their shared grandchildren.”
Someone else added: “Max most likely.” A third penned: “A Max return would be obvious and it seems the stage is certainly set for it to happen with Lauren back and the Jack/Stacey thing and Linda drinking herself into oblivion while in the care of his secret daughter.”
Speaking on Isolation Interviews, Stacey actress Lacey gushed over the Max and Stacey storyline on EastEnders. She said: “At the time I don’t think we knew it was going to be that massive, but people really invested in it and you know, people were you really following it.”
Lacey went on: “We had this bond between Max and Stacey. They will always have this bond simmering underneath.” And appearing to tease a future Max and Stacey romance again, Lacey added: “And you never know when it’s going to rear its head. It was so clever.”
