A specific detail was missed out of a character’s exit in EastEnders and eagle-eyed fans have been quick to call out soap bosses.
A deeply moving departure unfolded during Thursday’s instalment of EastEnders, as Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) bid farewell to Walford alongside her two youngest children, Arthur and Hope.
The beloved Walford resident chose to abandon Albert Square, struggling to cope with the constant reminders of her deceased partner Martin Fowler (James Bye).
After her brother Sean (Robert Kazinsky) extended an invitation to join him in Brazil, where he’s launched a fresh restaurant venture, Stacey opted to embark on this new chapter, leaving the remaining Slaters behind.
Stacey’s concluding moments featured her departing for the airport in a taxi with her two little ones, whilst playing back a voicemail message from former flame Max Branning (Jake Wood).
Viewers were moved by Stacey’s departure, despite being aware it’s merely temporary, though many expressed annoyance that EE producers hadn’t incorporated Julia’s Theme during her farewell sequence, choosing instead the programme’s standard theme music, reports OK!.
Julia’s Theme represents a haunting piano piece, typically reserved for deaths, particularly poignant moments or when major characters leave EastEnders. The composition honours one of the show’s co-creators, Julia Smith.
“What a rubbish goodbye for such an iconic character. She’ll obvs be back but how underwhelming. Not even a Julia’s theme #eastenders,” one viewer raged on X, whilst another questioned: “#EastEnders why didn’t Stacy get a Julia theme for that cab?”
One disgruntled EE viewer commented: “Where was Julia’s theme for Stacey? Criminal! ! @bbceastenders #EastEnders,” while another added: “What do you mean Stacey didn’t get Julia’s theme? ! ? ! #EastEnders.”
However, some fans suggested that the absence of Julia’s Theme could indicate that Stacey’s departure from the show will only be temporary. It has been reported that actress Lacey Turner is merely taking a break from the BBC soap.
Stacey’s decision to leave also triggered the exit of Max, who had returned to the Square for his estranged daughter Lauren’s (Jacqueline Jossa) wedding to Peter (Thomas Law).
Despite expressing a desire to stay and spend time with his children, once Stacey rejected Max’s proposal to reignite their romance, he chose to leave Walford as well.
However, Max is expected to return later this year and remain on the show permanently, although details of his next appearance are yet to be confirmed.
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm. Episodes also air at 6am on iPlayer.
#EastEnders #fans #slam #underwhelming #exit #crucial #detail #missed
