EastEnders legend lands new project away from hit BBC soap – weeks after co-star revealed new show on rival channel
LACEY Turner, who is best known for her iconic role as Stacey Slater in EastEnders, has taken on an exciting new venture.
The actress is set to host a brand new podcast called We Started Here.
It will explore the humble beginnings of television and film icons who first made their mark in soapland.
The podcast was commissioned by BBC Studios Drama Productions.
We Started Here will delve into the early experiences of actors whose careers were shaped by their time on soaps.
Lacey will treat listeners to exclusive insights into the ups and downs of breaking into the industry.
The soap star spoke about her excitement for the new role, sharing: “EastEnders holds a very special place in my heart; it was my very first acting job, and although I have been fortunate enough to explore other roles, for me, nothing compares to working on a soap.
“With this podcast, I get the opportunity to talk to some incredibly talented people in the industry who also started their careers on a soap.
“We’ll explore how soaps launched their careers and where they are now, which is very exciting.”
Kris Green, Training Executive at BBC Studios Drama Productions, added: “Soap has always had the most extraordinary ability to entertain the nation.
“But few see what goes on behind the scenes and many forget the stars whose careers it launched.
“These iconic shows are the unsung university of the screen industry, in front of and behind the camera.
“Lacey’s journey is the epitome of how shows like EastEnders can create household names.
“Lacey’s a natural podcast host, so we’re beyond delighted she’s agreed to take this on alongside her EastEnders schedule. We can’t wait for you to listen.”
This update from Lacey comes after the news that her co-star Natalie Cassidy will be ditching Weatherfield for a new gig with Channel 4.
The actress is set to feature as a consumer expert on a new lifestyle programme titled What’s The Big Deal?
The four-part series comes off the back of Channel 4’s popular Air Fryer programme which investigated Britain’s latest craze.
Now, Natalie will be delving into four other products which appear to have gripped the nation.
Best soap affair love triangles
LOVE triangles are a fundamental part of soap-land, but which ones have become the most iconic?
EASTENDERS
Bradley/Stacey/Max: Stacey Slater began an affair with boyfriend Bradley Branning’s dad Max in 2007.
Despite their romps, Stacey still married Bradley, but their deceit came out in an iconic Christmas Day episode that year.
Grant/Sharon/Phil: Heading even further back in Walford history, EastEnders fans were gripped in the 90s as Sharon Watts had a one-night stand with her brother-in-law Phil Mitchell.
Sharon confided in best friend Michelle Fowler – not realising it was caught on tape – and her husband Grant eventually found out and played it in front of everyone at the Queen Vic.
Syed/Amira/Christian: Syed Masood was engaged to Amira before realising he had feelings for another man, Christian, which he confessed to him on his wedding day.
A devout Muslim, Syed refused to admit his true sexuality and went ahead and married Amira anyway, but when they returned, the two men started an affair before being caught in the act by Amira.
CORONATION STREET
Shelley/Peter/Lucy: Peter Barlow took the concept of a love triangle and ran with it in Coronation Street – extending it to bigamy.
He was in a relationship with Shelley Unwin but started dating Lucy Richards, and quickly married her after she fell pregnant with his son, Simon.
But it didn’t stop him also marrying Shelley, but he was eventually caught when Lucy turned up in Weatherfield and the two women confronted him.
Ken/Deidre/Mike: Back in 1982, Deirdre Barlow started sleeping with her husband’s nemesis Mike Baldwin in secret, before confessing all a year later.
When Mike turned up at the marital home, Deirdre was being throttled by her husband who then kicked her out, but years later they reconciled.
Maria/Aidan/Eva: In 2017, Aidan Connor started sleeping with girlfriend Eva Price’s best friend, Maria Connor.
Eva eventually found out and she decided to take revenge by faking a pregnancy, spending his money and planned to confront him on their wedding day.
But she had a change of heart when a remorseful Aidan confessed, and decided to marry him anyway, only for Maria to arrive and expose her fake pregnancy.
EMMERDALE
Ross/Debbie/Pete: Debbie Dingle found herself torn between two brothers, Ross and Pete Barton in 2015 in Emmerdale.
She eventually decided to marry Pete but yet again, a soap wedding day was ruined when the groom learned of his bride’s betrayal via a recording played at the wedding.
Chrissie/Robert/Aaron: Robert Sugden was married to Chrissie White and all seemed well – until he began a steamy affair with Aaron Dingle.
Robert’s ex Katie Sugden almost exposed the affair – but fell to her death before she had the chance.
However, a guilty Aaron eventually cracked and told Chrissie about the affair – after which she announced it to the whole pub.