Major EastEnders exit confirmed as star quits after five years
The EastEnders icon has quit their role in the soap
Bobby Beale star Clay Milner Russell has quit EastEnders.
The actor, who portrayed the fifth iteration of Bobby, made the decision himself in a bid to pursue other roles, according to reports.
A spokesperson for the BBC One soap told Metro.co.uk: ‘We can confirm that Clay will be leaving EastEnders later on this year, and we wish him the best for the future.’
Not crying, I swear.
The EastEnders icon has quit their role in the soap
Clay took over the role of Bobby from previous star Eliot Carrington, who portrayed the character during the acclaimed Who Killed Lucy? storyline, with Bobby revealed to be the killer during a live episode.
Jane Beale (Laurie Brett), and later dad Ian (Adam Woodyatt), found out about what he did and attempted to cover up the crime but Bobby was eventually arrested and sentenced to prison.
The character’s release and subsequent return to the Square in 2019 facilitated actor Clay in taking over the role, with Bobby having been at the centre of numerous storylines ever since.
Bobby underwent a serious journey of growth over the past five years, becoming a firm fan favourite in the process, with actor Clay’s nuanced performance often a highlight of episodes in which the charter featured.
Bobby’s relationship with Dana Monroe and friendship with Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) – and his somewhat forgotten connection to Callum Highway (Tony Clay) – proved highlights.
He’ll certainly be missed!
Discussing his exit, a source told The Sun: ‘Clay’s a talented actor and he’s ambitious. 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.’
