BBC EastEnders viewers have “figured out” who Stacey Slater’s (Lacey Turner) new love interest will be after the heartbreaking death of Martin Fowler (James Bye).

EastEnders fans are convinced they’ve worked out who Stacey Slater’s (Lacey Turner) next romantic partner will be following the shocking death of Martin Fowler (James Bye).
Last week, viewers were left heartbroken when Martin (James Bye) was written out during the BBC One soap’s 40th anniversary live episode. After an explosion trapped him and Stacey (Lacey Turner) inside the Queen Vic, a dramatic twist saw Martin crushed by a falling metal beam.
As he awaited paramedics, with Stacey by his side, Martin expressed his love for her. In an emotional moment, knowing he wouldn’t make it, the former couple rekindled their romance, and Martin proposed – a proposal Stacey accepted.
But by the end of the episode, Martin tragically passed away as Stacey wept, holding his chest. Now, fans believe they know exactly who Stacey’s next love interest will be – a returning Walford favorite.

Stacey has been a central character on the soap for years, experiencing many relationships throughout her time. She famously married Bradley Branning (Charlie Clements) in 2007 and was involved in a dramatic affair with his father, Max Branning (Jake Wood), according to Plymouth Live.
Stacey was also married to Martin from 2016 to 2010, and they share a daughter, Lily (Lillia Turner). She also had a passionate affair with Kush Kazemi (Davood Ghadami) and dated Kheerat Panesar (Jaz Deol).

Fans are buzzing with excitement over Stacey’s love life on the BBC soap EastEnders, especially after she got involved with another member of the Branning family, Jack (Scott Maslen), in 2024. Now, sharp-eyed viewers believe they’ve figured out her next romantic development.
“Bring back Kheerat for Stacey!” one fan exclaimed in an EastEnders Facebook group. Another agreed, saying, “Yes! Absolutely. Kheerat return.” A third added, “I would love to see him back. Stacey needs him.”
Kheerat was last seen in 2022 when he was written off after he bravely took the fall for the murder of Ranveer Gulati, landing in prison to protect his mother, Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal).
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