EastEnders star Lacey Turner speaks out on Stacey's story
EastEnders spoilers follow.
Lacey Turner has addressed why Stacey Slater turns to theft in EastEnders.
The soap is currently airing an issue-based storyline where Stacey is forced into desperate action due to the cost-of-living crisis gripping Walford and the rest of the country.
The Slaters' financial situation gets worse than ever in upcoming episodes, leading Stacey to steal money from the office to help pay for her loved ones' necessities.
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Stacey almost immediately regrets what she's done, as it means she could go back to prison if she's caught.
Speaking about this shocking storyline, actress Lacey Turner addressed why Stacey resorted to theft.
"I think it's really hard for her to lie. In her head, she's lying for a good reason and she's done it [for] good reason," she said. "She's many things, but Stacey isn't a thief — she never has been. So it indicates just how desperate she's got and how far she is willing to go.
"I think she made the rash decision to help with her circumstances, but then the guilt and everything else just became a bit too much so she had to return [the money] the next day."
The actress went on: "I think she just wants to get it back in that tin and get out of there. It’s so out of character for her to steal from someone. Taking from other people isn’t something that she’s ever really done before."
Before she can return the cash, Stacey is hauled into the police station to face tough questions from Callum Highway over the missing money.
"She decides she's going to say that she didn’t take the money, so that’s what she’s sticking to," Lacey said.
The situation leads to a row between Stacey and Kat Slater when Kat offers to solve the family's financial problems using Mitchell's money.
"I think it's a pride thing for Stacey," Lacey explained. "Kat’s helped her many times — she helped her buy the van, for instance — so she already owes Kat a lot of money.
"Martin's also giving money, as [are] Alfie and Freddie, so I think she feels like a bit of a charity case. At this point, it's one too many handouts, and it makes her feel small."
The actress added: "She's trying to do everything to keep her family afloat, but Kat's got all of this money and can just throw it about. I think there's a tiny bit of jealousy there, not a bitterness, but it's someone else bailing her out once again. Again, I think it's more of a pride thing."
Will Stacey accept that she needs some financial help?
EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
For more information on organisations and initiatives that can provide help during the cost of living crisis, visit Citizens Advice.
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