EastEnders fans took to social media to say the same thing after being blown away by Lacey Turner’s heart-wrenching performance in the live episode. Fans was gripped as they watched the BBC One soap’s 40th-anniversary live show, which brought some major shocks. The recent episodes resolved the “who dunnit” mystery involving Cindy Beale (played by Michelle Collins), with Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) revealed as Cindy’s secret assailant. But show creators had even more in store for the momentous anniversary episodes. Villain Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) made his unexpected return to Albert Square and in a desperate bid for freedom, he crashed into the Queen Vic pub, causing a catastrophic explosion when his vehicle hit gas canisters, leading to the pub’s fiery collapse, reports the Mirror.
Martin Fowler died in devastating scenes, after he and Stacey Slater declared their love for each other
(Image: BBC)
In the aftermath of the explosion, Martin Fowler remained trapped under a beam in the pub at the start of Thursday’s live episode, after he risked his own life to save Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner). While pinned to the ground he told Stacey that he loved her and she responded by telling him she felt the same, saying yes when he proposed. Stacey was taken aside by a paramedic who told her Martin was likely to suffer from crush syndrome, which would put him into kidney failure and a cardiac arrest when the beam was lifted. The pair kissed before the rescue began, with Stacey telling him: “It’s going to be alright.” Tragically, Stacey’s worst fears were realised as Martin died, with her heart-wrenching scream echoing across Walford. Lacey’s performance has been praised by fans, with many pointing out that she is currently on maternity leave after welcoming her third child just a few weeks ago.
The Queen Vic explosion ended in tragedy
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron/Matt Burlem)
One fan took to X, previously known as Twitter, to say: “Lacey Turner everyone. She’s just given birth and came back from maternity to act her heart out LIVE.” Another said: “So you’re telling me Lacey Turner filmed a stunt heavily pregnant, gave birth, came back a few weeks later and carried a live episode? Where’s this woman’s pride of Britain award? Get her a knighthood pronto!
James Bye as Martin Fowler and Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
“Lacey Turner is the definition of ‘master of your craft’. Central in two live eps, despite one being when she was ill and one being a month after she’d given birth! ! Her talent is off the charts – definitely one of the best actors soap has ever had! What a woman,” another fan commented. One more person said: “I have nothing but pure admiration for Lacey Turner. Coming back to EastEnders a few weeks after giving birth to deliver the performance of her life was incredible. Reaching every fibre of her emotion during a LIVE episode isn’t easy. Lacey Turner take a bow.”
