EastEnders fans were left scratching their heads as Stacey Slater plans for her future following a huge cash payout
EastEnders viewers have witnessed a significant turn of events for Stacey Slater, portrayed by Lacey Turner, all thanks to her former spouse, Martin Fowler (James Bye).
Regular watchers of the BBC soap will recall the tragic demise of Martin in February following an explsoion at The Queen Vic. As Stacey grapples with her grief, she’s also begun to contemplate what lies ahead.
Initially, Stacey persuaded Ian Beale, played by Adam Woodyatt, to revive Martin’s renowned fruit and veg stall, with Peter (Thomas Law) stepping up to manage it. However, Ian has his sights set on acquiring The Vic, as Linda (Kellie Bright) confirmed its impending auction sale.
In an attempt to ruffle Ian’s feathers, Stacey and her cousin Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) fabricated a story about Stacey winning a whopping £100k on a scratch card, which she intended to use to secure ownership. Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota) joined in the charade.
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However, on Wednesday, 16th July, Stacey admitted that the lottery win was merely a prank, leaving a relieved Ian even more resolute in his quest to purchase the pub, reports OK!.
Simultaneously, Stacey and Eve Panesar-Unwin (Heather Peace) were unnerved by a mysterious man with a clipboard lurking outside their home. Eve, a former solicitor, confronted him, suspecting he was a bailiff.
But when Stacey, believing she had overlooked some payments, assured him she would settle her debts soon, the man revealed he was actually from a life insurance company.
Stacey was left stunned to discover that Martin had named her as the beneficiary of his life insurance policy, which coincidentally matched the sum she’d fibbed about winning on a scratch card.
She couldn’t help but be impressed by Martin’s foresight in securing a life insurance policy, understanding his desire to ensure his family’s future welfare.
Despite feeling some solace knowing her children’s financial future was secure, Stacey confessed to Kat that no amount of money could fill the void left by Martin’s absence.
In a heart-to-heart with Kat, Stacey revealed her plans to share some of the insurance payout with Martin’s eldest, Bex (Jasmine Armfield), and his youngest, Roman Allen.
Her ambitions didn’t stop there; Stacey confided in Kat her wish for them to become business partners and take over The Vic, envisioning Kat behind the bar.
Yet, EastEnders fans have called out Stacey’s intention to buy The Vic – the very pub where Martin met his end using the funds from his insurance – labelling her idea ‘pathetic’. Notably, The Vic is also the location where another of Stacey’s former husbands, Bradley Branning (Charlie Clements), tragically died.
On social media platform X, one viewer remarked: “So Stacey is going to use Martin’s life insurance to purchase the pub he died in… #eastenders.”
Another chimed in with criticism: “Why would Stacey use Martin’s life insurance money to buy the pub where he (and Bradley) died #EastEnders.”
And a third simply branded her scheme: “Pathetic Stacey #EastEnders.”
Another queried: “Why does Stacey buy the Vic? 1. Martin died there. 2. Archie raped her in the Vic 3. Witnessed Nish’s attack/Keanu’s death in the Vic 4. She killed Archie in the Vic. #EastEnders @bbceastenders.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
