Waving off Walford
Why is Bobby Beale leaving EastEnders? Reason behind Clay Milner Russell’s Albert Square exit
Plus when he will be saying goodbye to Walford
EASTENDERS star Clay Milner Russell has quit the BBC soap.
The actor - who plays Bobby Beale - is walking away from the role after five years.
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Is Bobby Beale leaving EastEnders?
On April 15, 2024, it was reported that Clay would be leaving EastEnders after half a decade on the soap.
An EastEnders spokeswoman confirmed the news saying: “We can confirm that Clay will be leaving EastEnders later on this year, and we wish him the best for the future.”
The reason for his exit is that he is seeking new challenges away from EastEnders and wants to play different types of roles.
A source said: “Clay’s a talented actor and he’s ambitious.
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“He was never going to stay in EastEnders forever. He’s loved playing Bobby but he became an actor to play all kinds of roles and he wants to do that.
“The door is being left open but for now it’s a definite goodbye.”
Apart from EastEnders, Clay has starred in 2016's Graffiti and 2019's County Lines.
When is Bobby Beale leaving EastEnders?
Clay is said to be waving goodbye to his character in the BBC soap later this year.
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As of April 2024, no date has been confirmed.
How will Bobby Beale leave EastEnders?
The BBC has yet to reveal how his exit storyline will unfold.
However, the soap has reportedly been left open for Bobby (and Clay) to return so that he won't be killed off.
How many actors have played Bobby Beale in EastEnders?
Born to Ian and Laura Beale, Bobby was adopted by his stepmother Jane after his mum was killed off in 2004.
Clay is the fifth actor to play killer kid Bobby.
During his time EastEnders the character has been involved in some major storylines including killing his own sister and nearly dying after being caught in a fire at Kathy's café.
Bobby is currently in a relationship with his step-sister Anna Knight despite her sleeping with his best friend Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier).
From 2003 to 2007, Kevin Curran played the infant Bobby Beale.
It appears like Kevin did not continue his acting career after EastEnders as has kept out of the spotlight.
Taking over the role, Alex Francis filled in the shoes of Bobby for five years.
Alex also seems to have taken a different direction from acting as he has no other TV credits to his name.
In 2013, Rory Stroud took on the role of Bobby.
He played the role for the shortest time as he left the show the following year.
In 2013, Rory was nominated for Best Young Actor in the Soap Awards.
From 2014 to 2017, Eliot Carrington portrayed the character of Bobby.
He left the soap in 2017 after Bobby was sent to prison.
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