I'd say you could add Laurie Brett to that list, too.

DTC clearly loves the character, and appears to have invested a great deal of belief and trust into the actress (she was the first cast member informed of the identity of Lucy's killer). And after all, let's not forget that Jane is now synonymous with one of EastEnders' biggest storylines. By the same account, she was also given, arguably, the leading role for the iconic 30th Anniversary.

She's the Beale matriarch, for now at least. Her and Kathy will no doubt end up in some form of rivalry (though I hope to be proved wrong).

I forgot about Jane - probably because she's one of my least favourites - but yeah a case could be made for her too.

Oh yes. I also add Jane.

.....and Ronnie and Dot.

Oh yes. The female cast is very stong currently.

Cannot stand her. She is way too harsh and bitter for a relatively young woman. Even Kat manages to show some humanity but Stacey is like a robot, untouchable with a permanent scowl.

She was at one point but now I'm not so sure.

I do think Stax, the bipolar storyline and her relationship with Bradley were Stacey's finest moments. Something that will be impossible for TPTB to live up too in this stint. She is still one of my favourites but there is no denying that her first stint was far superior and she was actually given storylines of her own .

She is at a loss without Jean and Bradley in my opinion, and her relationship with Kat is no where near as interesting. Although I like both characters they are a hateful duo when together.

She needs to become Stacey Fowler and to create the next tranche of original first family Pauline Fowlers grandchildren with Martin and become a rock solid couple.

I wish they'd bring Jean back. I thought the actress who played her was fabulous.

For some reason she reminds of Tracy Beaker in the TBR serise with maturity and still having some parts of her old personality from TSOTB (those great childhood memories)

The less I see of Stacey on my screen the better.

My least fave female EastEnder EVER.

I like Stacey and Lacey's a good actress but I wouldn't say she's the main leading lady. There are plenty of other strong actresses on EastEnders who can match or even outdo her when the occasion arises.

Agree with this.

I like Stacey and I like Lacey Turner. She's a fantastic actress. I agree it would be nice to see a visit from Jean.

Stacey is the most watchable character for me at present. The character development she's been given has made her mature, relatable and likeable but she hasn't lost her fiery edge. I was never a big Stacey fan but now she's one of my favourites and I do think she has that Pat quality of being a character others can turn to for support.

Linda is obviously supposed to be the leading lady and I do like her but I'm bored of The Carters and they haven't been around long enough to hold the status that characters like Stacey have.

Stacey is a great character in the making I just hope they don't have Kat drag her down too much though

Lacey Turner is a very good actress and I want to see more screentime from her.

We have some very good leading ladies so I wouldn't count Stacey as the only leading lady.

The current leading ladies are Linda, Shirley, Sharon, Ronnie, Jane, Stacey, Kat and Dot. I may have missed a few from the list. When Kathy cones back permanently, she will be leading lady as well

She is not a leading lady however she is one of about 8/9 brilliantly talented actress that EE currently has