EastEnders star Lacey Turner’s husband Matt Kay has shared a post gushing over his wife’s performance in the incredible EastEnders live episode.

EastEnders celebrated its 40th anniversary this week, and marked the occasion with a series of specials – including the long-awaited live episode on Thursday night. Lacey, who plays Stacey Slater on the soap, played a major role in the show, beginning and ending the episode with fans in tears over the emotional scenes as Martin Fowler met his tragic end.

Some fans might not know that Lacey’s incredibly moving live performance came just five weeks after she gave birth to her third child, daughter Gipsy, on January 17, before getting straight back to work to prepare for the live show. She and Matt married in 2017 and have also welcomed daughter Dusty and son Trilby, and Matt shared a post describing just how impressed he was with his wife.

In the episode, a fatal explosion rocked Watford, and while Martin Fowler (played by James Bye) managed to clear a path through the wreckage of the Queen Vic, Stacey refused to leave until they’d opened up about their love. Tragically, a huge metal beam fell from the ceiling, landing on Martin and crushing his legs.

Paramedics and firefighters worked to free Martin, but Stacey was warned that he could suffer a cardiac arrest as a result of crush syndrome once the beam was lifted. It initially looked like Martin could survive after the beam was eventually pulled off his legs, but moments later – after glancing at Stacey – he died – shortly after he’d proposed to her. The episode ended with Stacey cradling him as he lay lifeless on the floor.

Stacey’s heartbreaking scream inside the wreckage of the Vic could be heard by Albert Square residents waiting outside to ensure everyone had been safely evacuated. Martin’s girlfriend Ruby Allen, who he shares son Roman with, was nervously waiting by the edge of the cordoned off area – and collapsed when she heard Stacey’s screams.

As the moving scenes played out Lacey’s husband took to Instagram and tagged actors James and Lacey and shared a photo of them lying in the Queen Vic wreckage, and wrote: “Sorry but these two were phenomenal tonight. If they don’t win an award for that I’ll eat my hat.”

The father of three then focused on his wife’s work, and shared a long post about his admiration for her. “I am absolutely bursting with pride for my wife and the incredible job she did at work this evening,” he wrote.

“Her dedication and hard work shone through as she tackled an extremely tough challenge with grace and determination, especially considering she only just gave birth five weeks ago. I mean come on!”

He added: “Watching her collaborate with her co-workers and ultimately achieve her goals was nothing short of inspiring. She consistently goes above and beyond, and her passion for what she does is evident in every project she undertakes. I am so grateful to have such an amazing partner by my side, and I can’t help but admire her strength and resilience. She truly is incredible!”

Stacey reposted the emotional tribute on her own Instagram Stories, writing “Love you” and adding a heart emoji for her adoring partner.

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