Stacey Slater was left in shock this evening on EastEnders as she found out her 12-year-old daughter was pregnant.
The mum of three - played by Lacey Turner - couldn't believe it when doctors told her that her daughter Lily, who has only recently celebrated her 12th birthday, was pregnant and expecting a baby. Lily had been rushed to hospital after collapsing at the Slaters New Year's Eve party, with others at risk from the carbon monoxide leak.
Horrified, Stacey kept a vigil by Lily's bedside in hospital but was left in complete disbelief when the doctors asked if her daughter had been sexually active, before confirming to her that Lily was pregnant.
"We were worried about the severity of your daughter's stomach aches, so we did an ultrasound and something's come up, which given her age is of concern," the doctor told a worried Stacey.
He then added: "Were you aware that your daughter is sexually active? She's pregnant."
She couldn't believe it, shaking her head as she said it was impossible. Actress Lacey said of Stacey's plight: "Stacey’s in complete and utter shock. They’re talking about her twelve-year-old daughter, who doesn’t have a boyfriend, and as far as Stacey knows, isn’t really that into boys. Initially, Stacey thinks that the doctors must be wrong. After that, she goes through every single emotion that you could possibly feel in such a short space of time."
For now, Stacey isn't ready to tell Martin about the news - but does confide in her mum Jean.
"Stacey is treading on eggshells. She needs to find out from Lily how this happened, who the father is, and all the details. But to do that, she needs to build trust with Lily, and if her daughter wants it to be a secret, then Stacey will keep it secret. That’s why she doesn’t confide in Martin because she’s just trying to get the information and build that trust and not break it," Lacey added.
"Jean is Stacey’s rock, her best friend, and they have such a strong connection. Stacey and Jean have been through so much together, and Jean’s the only person who can really properly understand Stacey inside and out."
She explained: "For Stacey to share this secret with her mum is a massive weight off of her shoulders, but she also wants someone to tell her what she should do. In Stacey’s head, she’s thinking, ‘Do I just go with what Lily wants? Should I be angry? Should I tell Lily she can’t keep the baby?’ Stacey is just looking to Jean for some help. She wants someone to tell her, ‘Stacey, this is what you do.'
Whatever Lily and Stacey decides to do, the news will leave them both reeling as they navigate this new chapter together.
*EastEnders airs Mondays through Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One.
