EastEnders fans have flooded actress Lacey Turner with praise after she delivered an emotional performance during the soaps live episode weeks after giving birth

EastEnders fans said the same thing after Lacey Turner’s gut-wrenching live episode scenes.

On Thursday night, the nation tuned into the BBC One soap operas live episode to celebrate their 40th anniversary which came with some huge twists. Over the past few days, fans have seen the “who dunnit” story involving Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) finally come to an end with Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) revealing she was Cindy’s mystery attacker.

But in true EastEnders fashion, soap bosses had big plans for the ruby anniversary episodes, with killer Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) returning to Albert Square. As he attempted to escape, he drove head first into the Queen Vic pub – smashing into several gas canisters, leading to the pub going up in flames and collapsing.

However, there was one scene on Thursday that completely blew viewers away. As Martin Fowler (James Bye) risked his life to save his ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) from the crumbling building, they were dealt a blow just moments after Martin cleared a path for them to escape.

Stacey refused to leave until the pair had made their feelings for one another clear. Just as she held the door closed, a huge metal beam fell from the ceiling, landing on Martin and crushing his legs. During the live episode last night, Stacey and Martin made their feelings for one another clear, with Martin asking for her hand in marriage.

Sadly, the twist was bittersweet for Stacey, who was told by paramedics that shortly after rescue workers raised the beam to free Martin, he would die due to suffering from crushed syndrome, meaning that his body would go into kidney failure and result in cardiac arrest. Stacey’s worst nightmare came true as she let out a toe-curling scream which could be heard across Walford.

Fans of the soap have since flooded Lacey with praise, noting that she is currently on maternity leave, having given birth to her third child just several weeks ago. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: “Lacey Turner everyone. She’s just given birth and came back from maternity to act her heart out LIVE.”

A second added: “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!” “Lacey Turner is the definition of ‘master of your craft’. Central in two live eps, despite one being when she was ill & 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,” commented another.

Meanwhile, a third fan 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.” “Lacey Turner really turned up tonight just weeks after giving birth and acted her heart out in so many long scenes before that piercing scream at the end. We are not worthy,” said another.