Stacey and Jean to leave EastEnders

EastEnders actresses Lacey Turner and Gillian Wright, who play mother and daughter Stacey Branning and Jean Slater, will leave the show later this year.

Lacey, who first arrived in Albert Square in 2004, has reportedly left to pursue other projects but the door will be left open for her return.

Stacey was followed onto the Square by her mother Jean, who has appeared in the show on and off since 2004. Jean and Stacey have had a troubled relationship throughout their time on the show. In one of EastEnders most emotional storylines bipolar sufferer Jean helped her daughter Stacey through her recent diagnosis with bipolar.

As two of the best actresses in the soap their departure will be a great loss to EastEnders. Lacey has been involved in some of EastEnders biggest stories over her six years in Walford. From her romance with Bradley Branning, affair with Bradley's dad Max, suffering from bipolar and being revealed as Archie Mitchell's killer in EastEnders first ever live episode.

The pair's departure adds to the long list of cast members departing the Square this year. Matriarch Peggy Mitchell, Minty Peterson, Chelsea and Libby Fox and Charlie Slater are just some of the characters who will bow out of the show in 2010. But whilst it is all change in Walford, fans can look forward to the return of favourites Alfie and Kat Moon later this year.

Picture from Virgin Media