Shock EastEnders exit as star quits soap after five years – and his final scenes have already aired
The star won't be returning to Walford
EASTENDERS has aired a shock exit – and a surprising return to Walford tonight.
The BBC soap said goodbye to Bobby Beale after actor Clay Milner Russell quit the soap after five years.
Viewers watched this week as Bobby was devastated to find girlfriend Anna Knight had terminated her pregnancy and then cheated on him with his best mate Freddie Slater – and it convinced him to leave Walford for good.
After visiting Lucy’s grave to say goodbye, Bobby was found by Ian and Cindy.
But as he asked for some time alone with his sister, Cindy lost it and raged at him for being there and speaking to her daughter – and he finally fought back.
He told CIndy that he didn’t care if she hated him anymore – he deserves to have a life with Ian agreeing that Lucy would want him to move on.
Bobby then revealed that Jane was on her way to collect him and take him back to the Cotswolds.
The family gathered to say goodbye to Bobby with Kathy becoming tearful at her grandson leaving.
And when Jane arrived, Cindy couldn’t help but take a pop at her cardigan for one final row.
“It’s weird being back,” said Jane.
“Feels like time’s stood still. Sometimes I felt like I couldn’t breathe around here.”
Ian told her: “Look after our special boy.”
“Haven’t I always?” she replied as Anna Knight arrived to beg Bobby for another chance.
“I really do love you Bobby, and I think we could make this work, I really do,” she said.
But Bobby finally found his strength and told her where to go: “No. I don’t want to make it work.
“You should’ve told me that you were pregnant but you just made assumptions which proves that you don’t really know me, not the real me, not what’s in my heart.”
As he spoke Freddie arrived and Bobby added: “So why would I want to be with you? You two deserve each other.”
He told Jane he was ready to go adding: “It’s time to forget being Bobby Beale and just focus on being Bobby.”
And after a goodbye to his family again Bobby climbed in the car and they drove off.