Lacey Turner swaps gloomy Albert Sq for a Dubai beach

Away from her heavy workload in EastEnders, teenage actress Lacey Turner struggles to raise a smile during a holiday to Dubai.

The 19-year-old star was in need of a well-earned rest after spending last year filming her character Stacey Slater's illicit affair with her husband's father and the dramatic Christmas Day fallout.

The Christmas Day episode, which saw Max Branning's wife Tanya and son Bradley discover their affair after watching Stacey and Bradley's wedding video, attracted 13.9million viewers, compared to Coronation Street's 9.6million.

Taking a dip: Lacey cools off from the hot Dubai sun

After spending Christmas at her Hertfordshire home with her parents and two sisters Daisy and Lily, Lacey left the soggy weather of Elstree studios for the sunnier climes of Dubai.

Shunning a private enclave, Lacey joined holidaygoers on a public beach near the UAE resort's Royal Meridian Hotel.

While some celebrities spend months getting in shape to show off their bikini bodies, laid-back Lacey let it all hang out in a red string two-piece.

Lacey's swimwear struggled to contain her ample cleavage during a dip in the water.

Moody: Lacey Turner doesn't look too happy in the sun

Like many teenagers, Lacey was spotted scoffing junk food and swigging soft drinks on the beach.

Despite being thousands of miles away from home, the star was keen to keep in touch with the gossip back home and was spotted chatting away to friends on her mobile phone.

Lacey also flashed her secret tattoos - a celtic pattern on her lower back and the word 'love' across her left thigh.

Last month, Lacey admitted she watched the Christmas Day episode with her family, despite hating the sight of herself on screen.

Letting it hang out: Relaxed Lacey in her ill-fitting bikini

She said: "My family are massive fans. I don't usually watch it when I am on as I can't bear to, but you can't miss EastEnders on Christmas Day can you?

"This year has been really good, I've been so lucky with the storylines I have had."

Fans of Stacey and Max are hoping the couple work out their problems and reunite.

Recent rumours suggest a Valentine's Day reunion may be on the cards for the young couple, but the BBC have refused to give away any storylines.

Away from the beach: Lacey Turner and her on-screen husband Charlie Clements at an awards show last year