The chances of a reunion between EastEnders’ Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and Martin Fowler (James Bye) are dealt a huge blow later this month – and it’s all thanks to Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton).

In the days before Christmas, Stacey makes a huge discovery about ex-husband Martin and his other ex-wife Ruby, which places their future together in doubt.

The former couple are still soul-searching next week, after sharing an unexpected kiss that stirred up some old feelings.

Stacey seeks advice from best mate Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) and cousin Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) about what she should do, and later heads to speak to Martin about Ruby.

But when she arrives at No.43, she is stunned to learn that they are now living together. 

It’s a huge surprise given the pair have been at huge odds over custody of their critically ill son Roman. 

However, things thaw between the exes after Martin steps up to be a donor for the youngster, who is in need of a liver transplant. 

After Stacey finds out about their new living arrangements, Martin insists to Stacey there is nothing between him and Ruby, but unknowingly offends her in the process.

As Christmas Day arrives, Martin is set to join the Slaters’ celebrations at No.31, but Stacey is put out when Ruby rocks up too. 

With her attempts to speak to Martin about their situation thwarted, she tries to corner him on Boxing Day, but they are interrupted by Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) and Jean Slater (Gillian Wright), who have gossip about what has been going on across the Square with the Beales and the Knights.

Explaining Stacey’s feelings, actress Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey said: ‘She has always had feelings for him, it’s just they never quite work out whenever they’re together! 

‘I think they are one of those couples that shouldn’t be together, but they really want to be together. Every time they try it never really works. 

‘I think seeing Ruby with him has probably made her go “Oh, I definitely do have feelings for him, but maybe I’m a bit late.”’

As a series of dramatic events later unfold over New Year, Martin rushes to Stacey’s side in her hour of need, only for Ruby to join them. 

Stacey isn’t happy about her presence and snaps at her, annoying Martin in the process. 

With a love triangle seemingly forming between them, who will Martin choose?

Lacey says: ‘I always think Martin and Stacey would be a wonderful old couple, but I don’t know. I’d love to see them together forever, but who knows. 

‘It always seems to go a bit pear-shaped when they are together, so maybe they’re like Ross and Rachel [from Friends].’

EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 23 December at 7.30pm on BBC One, or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.