“In an ideal world Stacey would send Carmel packing!”

Lacey reflects on Stacey’s autumn from hell…

While the Fowlers face the agony of potentially losing a child, Lacey continues to shine as Albert Square’s tragic heroine. Inside Soap caught up with the star – who recently married childhood sweetheart Matt Kay in Ibiza – to talk about what it’s been like being in Stacey’s shoes for all the latest drama…

Stacey hasn’t had a lot to smile about lately! How have you found this latest story?

It’s felt like a really busy few weeks! It’s definitely good yet again for Eastenders to shine a spotlight on mental health problems via all that Stacey goes through. It seems like a lot happens in a short space of time – how much could happen to one person in two weeks? [laughs] But I guess this is Stacey we’re talking about, so anything can happen! It was a tough schedule, but sometimes it’s good when it’s mainly you and just one other person, so you can really stay in the moment for the storyline.

Martin and Stacey always seem to make it out of a crisis stronger. What is the secret of their enduring relationship, do you think?

Martin has been the only person who continues to make Stacey smile and laugh. They’re a real team and no matter what happens, they always seem to come out the other end stronger than ever. She puts her trust in Martin to make everything better. They muddle through, and if Martin says they’re going to be all right, Stacey trusts that they will be.

Do you think Stacey can forgive Carmel and move on from her deception?

In an ideal world, Stacey would send Carmel packing, but Stacey knows that she’s never going to get rid of her and that she’ll always be a part

of her life because of Arthur. After some time has passed, Stacey will probably let it go because she can’t change anything. Years ago, she would have just slapped her! Stacey knows deep down that Carmel meant well, but it’s hard for her to admit that. When you’ve got that much going on, you’d probably do anything for an easy life.

How is it working with the baby who plays Stacey and Martin’s daughter?

A newborn baby is the easiest age to deal with since they don’t do anything. They just eat and sleep! And the child who plays young Arthur is gorgeous – he loves coming here to work. I can’t say that he’s even noticed we have a new baby on set…