There’s anguish ahead for Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) in EastEnders next week as he prepares to turn 21.
However, Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) youngest son is in no mood to celebrate the huge milestone, despite the efforts of his loved ones.
On Tuesday, Bobby’s girlfriend Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) sets about trying to chat to Ian about plans, but he snaps at her after he is distracted by a mystery message on his phone.
Anna then enlists Bobby’s best pal Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) to sound him out on ideas, but Bobby rumbles what they are up to and insists he does not want a fuss.
Later in the week, Peter Beale (Thomas Law) tries to talk to his brother about his birthday, and he admits he’s in no mood to celebrate – just what is behind his pain?
Back in April, it was confirmed that Clay would be leaving EastEnders after five years in the role of Bobby.
He is the fifth actor to play the character, with the role recast from previous star Eliot Carrington when the character was released from prison in 2019, after serving time for the murder of his sister Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater).
While his exit storyline has not yet been confirmed, last week, the soap revisited the love triangle between Bobby, Anna and Freddie.
Viewers saw Freddie arrange a special date for Bobby and Anna on the roof of the Queen Vic, where he served as the couple’s own personal butler.
But rather than sparks flying between Bobby and Anna, things got flirty between Freddie and Anna – something Bobby couldn’t help but notice.
Freddie and Anna previously had a one night stand, and their hook up sparked a falling out between Freddie and Bobby, with Bobby devastated to hear his pal had slept with the girl he knew he was crushing on.
Will the former lovers be drawn back together? And will Bobby leave Walford broken-hearted?
EastEnders airs these new scenes next Tuesday and Wednesday at 7.30pm on BBC One, and from 6am on iPlayer.
