EastEnders fans devastated as major exit ‘rules out’ huge star’s return
Clay has never shared a scene with Laurie
EastEnders fans have taken to social media to express sadness that Bobby Beale’s (Clay Milner Russell) upcoming departure means his adoptive mum Jane (Laurie Brett) can’t return.
A spokesperson for the BBC One soap told us yesterday: ‘We can confirm that Clay will be leaving EastEnders later on this year, and we wish him the best for the future.’
As the fifth actor to take on the role of Bobby, Clay replaced previous star Eliot Carrington, who portrayed the character during the iconic Who Killed Lucy? storyline, with Bobby revealed to be the killer during a spectacular live episode.
Jane and later dad Ian (Adam Woodyatt), found out that he’d hit her over the head with a jewellery box and attempted to cover up the crime but Bobby was eventually arrested and sentenced to prison.
Clay has never shared a scene with Laurie
When he returned in 2019, he’s been involved in a number of high profile stories including his conversion to Islam, and more recently has been praised by viewers for his friendship with Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier).
He’s also struggled to deal with Lucy’s (Hetti Bywater) mum Cindy (Michelle Collins) returning from the dead, and the resentment she’s shown towards her daughter’s killer.
This week, the Walford residents gather to remember her, ten years on from her death.
A special hour-long episode will air on Wednesday (17th April), but will mostly focus on the sexual assault of Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) – fans however were hopeful that it would see a return for Jane.
With Bobby’s exit looming, viewers are realising that time is running out for an on-screen reunion, and that it may not happen at all.
‘I really really want Jane to return but I wanted her back for Bobby and now he’s leaving so as good of a character as she is, I don’t really want her back unless it’s for a short stint and she takes him with her’ said one fan on X/Twitter.
Another added: ‘I’m really sad about this, Clay has amazing and I hate how underused he’s been for a while now. Hopefully he returns someday and his Bobby actually gets to have some scenes with Jane’
One was sad to see a member of the family leaving just months after Cindy, Ian and Peter (Thomas Law) returned: ‘I was actually so excited about the Beale’s being built up again with the big dynamics when Cindy and Ian returned but Bobby and Rocky leaving made it feel quite…lacklustre? This is really why i need Jane’
‘Bobby leaving? There goes Jane returning’ cried another fan.
‘I personally think the perfect ending for Bobby would be if he leaves with his mum, Jane after a two hander or something. It would be a full circle moment!’
