Former EastEnders actress Lacey Turner has been attracting attention through her participation in Strictly Come Dancing, bringing renewed interest in her husband, Matt Kay, and their family life. The actress, who became famous for playing Stacey Slater, joined the BBC dance competition in 2026 after stepping away from the soap. Her husband has remained a supportive presence as she explores opportunities beyond the role that defined much of her career.
Lacey Turner and Matt Kay have been together since their teenage years and married in Ibiza in September 2017. The couple have three children, Dusty, Trilby and Gipsy. Although Turner has spent more than two decades in the public eye, Matt has generally preferred a quieter life away from television.
Who Is Lacey Turner’s Husband Matt Kay?
Matt Kay is a British businessman and barber shop owner who became known publicly through his marriage to actress Lacey Turner.
Unlike his wife, Matt has not pursued a career in television or acting. He has largely maintained a private profile, occasionally appearing in photographs shared by Turner.
Matt was born and raised in England and met Lacey when they were both teenagers. Their relationship developed long before Turner became a household name through EastEnders.
He has supported her acting career while maintaining his own professional interests. The couple have also worked together to create a stable home environment for their children.
How Did Lacey Turner and Matt Kay Meet?
Lacey Turner and Matt Kay first met when they were both approximately 15 years old.
Their introduction happened at a mutual friend’s house, and they began dating during their teenage years.
Turner was still attending school and had not yet secured her breakthrough acting role. She joined EastEnders in 2004 at the age of 16, playing Stacey Slater.
As her television career developed, Matt remained part of her personal life. Their relationship continued through the demanding schedules associated with filming a long-running soap.
The couple eventually became engaged in 2016 after more than a decade together.
Their engagement was an important milestone in a relationship that had begun well before either expected the public attention that would follow Turner’s acting success.
When Did Lacey Turner and Matt Kay Get Married?
Lacey Turner and Matt Kay married in September 2017 during a romantic ceremony in Ibiza, Spain.
Their wedding took place at a private villa overlooking Cala Xucà Bay on the island’s northern coast.
Approximately 120 guests attended, including several of Turner’s EastEnders colleagues.
Among the familiar faces were Barbara Windsor, Jake Wood, James Bye, Laurie Brett, Scott Maslen and Aaron Sidwell.
Turner wore a champagne-coloured wedding dress decorated with floral details. She walked barefoot during the outdoor ceremony, which took place against a Mediterranean backdrop.
Matt wore beige trousers, a white shirt and braces.
The couple also included photographs of relatives who were no longer alive, allowing their memories to be part of the celebration.
Their wedding marked the beginning of married life after approximately 14 years together.
Lacey Turner and Matt Kay Have Three Children
Lacey Turner and Matt Kay are parents to three children: Dusty Violet, Trilby Fox and Gipsy Olive.
Their eldest daughter, Dusty Violet, was born on July 12, 2019. Her arrival was particularly meaningful because Turner had previously experienced two miscarriages.
The couple welcomed their second child, son Trilby Fox, on February 3, 2021.
Their youngest daughter, Gipsy Olive, was born in January 2025. Turner announced her arrival through a family photograph featuring Matt and their older children.
The actress has occasionally shared details about motherhood, including the challenges of balancing parenting with professional responsibilities.
She has explained that having three young children changed her priorities and encouraged her to spend more time at home.
Matt has remained involved in raising their children while supporting his wife’s television commitments.
Lacey Turner Has Spoken About Her Pregnancy Losses
Before welcoming Dusty, Turner experienced two miscarriages, which she later discussed publicly.
The actress explained that the experiences affected her confidence during subsequent pregnancies.
She initially struggled to feel reassured that everything would progress normally, even after receiving positive medical updates.
Turner has spoken about the emotional impact of pregnancy loss and encouraged greater understanding of the difficulties families experience.
Her willingness to discuss the subject helped bring attention to an issue that many couples face privately.
Matt supported her throughout those experiences, and the arrival of their first daughter became a significant moment in their marriage.
The couple subsequently welcomed two more children, expanding their family to five.
How Matt Kay Supports Lacey Turner’s Television Career
Matt has remained supportive of Turner’s professional achievements, including her work on EastEnders and her participation in Strictly Come Dancing.
In February 2025, Turner appeared in the EastEnders live episode marking the soap’s 40th anniversary, just weeks after welcoming her third child.
Following the broadcast, Matt publicly praised her performance and expressed pride in her work.
Turner later announced that she would step away from EastEnders after playing Stacey Slater for more than 20 years.
She explained that motherhood had influenced her decision, particularly because she wanted to spend more time with her children while they were young.
Her participation in Strictly Come Dancing in 2026 introduced a different professional challenge.
Turner has said that she wanted her children to see the importance of trying unfamiliar activities, working hard and overcoming personal fears.
Matt and their children have remained an important source of encouragement during that transition.
Lacey Turner and Matt Kay’s Family Life Today
Lacey Turner and Matt Kay live in Hertfordshire, where they enjoy a relatively quiet family lifestyle.
Turner has spoken about spending time outdoors, gardening and looking after animals at their home.
Their household includes chickens, and the actress has developed an interest in growing vegetables and maintaining an allotment.
These activities provide a contrast to the demanding television schedule she followed for much of her career.
Although Turner continues to attract attention through acting and entertainment appearances, she has made it clear that family remains a major priority.
Matt generally avoids interviews and public events, allowing the couple to maintain some separation between their personal and professional lives.
Their relationship has now lasted more than two decades, including nine years of marriage.
For Lacey Turner, Matt Kay has remained a constant presence throughout her journey from teenage actress to established television star and mother of three. Their marriage continues to reflect a relationship that began long before her career brought her national recognition.
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