Lorraine Stanley, the beloved former EastEnders star known for her role as Karen Taylor from 2017 to 2024, is stepping into a new chapter of her life with a remarkable transformation and a joyful wedding on the horizon. After shedding an impressive 6½ stone over two years, Lorraine is set to marry her long-term partner, Mark Perez, in a low-key ceremony this August in Hertfordshire.
The 49-year-old actress, who shares a nine-year-old daughter named Nancy with Mark, spoke candidly about her upcoming nuptials and the personal journey that led her here. Lorraine and Mark have been together for 12 years, and their engagement lasted two years before deciding to make their union official. "Yes, it's very exciting! I’m getting married to my partner in a ceremony local to where we live in Hertfordshire. It’s going to be low-key," she revealed.
The wedding plans reflect the couple's desire for intimacy and simplicity, with a ceremony at a church followed by a reception at a pub featuring a tepee and barbecue. Lorraine expressed her wish to have friends from her EastEnders days present, but only one castmate, Danny Walters—who played her on-screen son Keanu Taylor—will attend. "I wanted them all to come, but we’re just having a small, intimate wedding," she said.
Adding a heartwarming touch to the celebration, Nancy will serve as the flower girl, making a grand entrance in a big white gown, while Lorraine’s own wedding dress will be modest. "She’s the one wearing the big white wedding dress – well, the flower girl dress. Mine’s modest, really. But I’m so excited," Lorraine shared.
Reflecting on why the couple chose to marry after so many years together, Lorraine explained, "We’re just in a really good place. You know, every couple goes through their ups and downs, but it feels right, we’re happy. Nancy wanted us to get married, I wanted his surname – I know some women don’t want that but I do. I want to be Mrs Perez. I’ve been abroad a few times with Nancy and was asked if she’s my daughter as we have different surnames on our passports. But it’s not just practicalities, it’s love."
Mark, who works in marketing, is described by Lorraine as "the best father" and someone with a flair for the dramatic, joking that he could be an actor himself. Their relationship thrives on mutual respect, understanding, and giving each other space, which Lorraine credits as part of their strong bond.
While the wedding is a major milestone, Lorraine is also preparing to celebrate her 50th birthday next year, though she plans to keep things low-key. "I have the wedding this year so.... no, I won’t have a big showbiz bash. We might go to Disney World Florida. We’ll see," she said.
Lorraine’s transformation over the past two years has been nothing short of inspirational. In July 2025, she proudly showcased her slimmer frame on Instagram, revealing that she had lost 6½ stone. Her journey included a strict diet, regular workouts, and a commitment to sobriety, having been five months sober at that time.
Her diet was disciplined, focusing on boiled eggs, fish, chicken, and cutting out carbs, crisps, and chocolate. Lorraine credited her friend Louise, whom she calls her "fitness guru," and a nutritionist friend who helped her understand her daily food choices. "I’m enjoying it and I feel better for it," she said.
However, Lorraine’s weight loss journey was not without challenges. She initially tried weight-loss injections such as Wegovy, similar to Ozempic and Mounjaro, but found she became "immune" to them. "I’d tried Wegovy. I have friends on different weight-loss jabs and they work for them. I’m not against them, but for whatever reason I feel like I got immune to them," she admitted. The injections eventually felt counterproductive, leading her to reconsider her approach.
Ultimately, Lorraine opted for weight-loss surgery, undergoing a gastric sleeve procedure two years ago at a reputable Harley Street clinic in London. She invested thousands of pounds in the surgery, emphasizing that it was "hands-down the best thing I’ve ever done – both for me and for my family." Lorraine was motivated by a desire to change for her daughter and their future, especially after seeing herself on television and feeling unrecognizable.
Now weighing 8 stone, Lorraine reflects on her natural body type, saying, "If you look at my little wrists and ankles, this is the weight I should have been. I should be a thin person. And I always was, until I hit my late twenties." This honest reflection highlights the personal significance of her transformation beyond physical appearance.
Throughout her journey, Lorraine has received support and admiration from former EastEnders co-stars, including Diane Parish and James Bye, who praised her incredible transformation on social media.
As Lorraine Stanley prepares to walk down the aisle this August, she embodies resilience, self-love, and a renewed sense of happiness. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of embracing change for oneself and loved ones.
