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EastEnders Lily Slater star's real age and if she's related to Lacey Turner

EastEnders teenager Lily Slater has taken centre stage in a number of gripping storylines over the years but how old is the actress who plays the iconic character?

[Lilla Turner and Lacey Turner]

Lilla Turner has played Lily Slater in EastEnders since 2020(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Lillia Turner joined the cast of EastEnders as Lily Slater six years ago.

The actress' most memorable storyline since taking over the role in 2020 includes the youngster finding out she was pregnant aged 12, which led to the talented star winning the award for Best Young Performer at the 2023 British Soap Awards.

Lily is currently at the centre of the drama in Walford after confessing she's been hiding information about what really happened on the night of Joel Marshall's (Max Murray) attack.

An investigation is ongoing and during Tuesday's (Augusy 11) episode of the BBC One soap, Lily told DC Craig Ingram (Matthew James-Bailey) that she saw Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladega) sneaking off before Joel got attacked, but does this mean he committed the crime?

As Lily opens up to the DC, let's a look at who originally played Lily and if Lillia is related to her on-screen mother.

How old is Lily Slater actress Lillia Turner?

[Lily Slater]

The actress is 17 years old(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Lillia is 17 years old born March 16, 2009 and her on-screen character, Lily, is currently 16 years old. Fans will be aware that the youngster is the daughter of Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and Ryan Malloy (Neil McDermott).

Lily's first appearance was originally broadcast on 23 June 2010, when she was born. Fast forward to 2023, Lily learned she was pregnant with Ricky Branning's (Frankie Day) child and she gave birth to their daughter Charli Slater in September of the same year.

In May 2025, Lillia temporarily departed the show due to her GCSE commitments but she returned in August 2025 and continues to appear on screens to current day.

Who originally played Lily Slater?

[Aine Garvey as Lily Slater]

Aine Garvey played Lily from 2014 until 2019(Image: BBC)

Lillia joined EastEnders as regular character Lily in 2020, taking over the role from Aine Garvey, who had played the character for five years from 2014 until 2019.

Before Aine took over the role, Lilywas played by Kennady Lacy-Breckenridge, Alfie Duncan and Poppy Crake in 2010 when she was just a tiny baby.

No official reason was given as to why Aine left the soap at the time but the most likely explanation is that the character has simply been recast, with younger characters on the soap usually being played by several different actors as they get older.

Is Lillia Turner related to Lacey Turner?

[Lacey and Lillia Turner as Stacey and Lily Slater]

EastEnders fans frequently mistake Lillia and Lacey for real-life relatives(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Fans frequently mistake Lillia and Lacey for real-life relatives due to their striking facial resemblances, matching surnames, and close on-screen chemistry

While it would be amazing for two family members to play an on-screen mother and daughter, Lillia and Lacey are only connected by their surname and are not actually related in real life.

Lacey is a huge fan of Lillia and her impressive acting. She previously told Digital Spy: "Lillia is such a great little actress. There's something about her that is so warm and so natural, and her instincts are just bang-on. She's been so desperate for a storyline of her own for so many years, so to see her have one is lovely.

"To watch her absolutely nail it has just been brilliant. I've tried to stay out of it as much as I can because Lilia actually doesnt need any help, tips or guidance because shes just great. Shes got something that is so natural that I dont want to take that away from her."

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am

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