A popular EastEnders star has broken their silence and opened up on their decision to leave the soap.
It was confirmed last month by BBC bosses that Bobby Brazier will be leaving the show.
The actor, who is the son of late reality star Jade Goody and former footballer Jeff Brazier, has played Freddie Slater since 2022.
Now, he has opened up on the leaving, and spoken on what may come next.
When is Bobby Brazier leaving EastEnders?
Bobby's character Freddie was conceived on the show in late 2003, to mother Little Mo Mitchell.
In May 2006, Freddie was admitted to hospital with bleeding on the brain, and the character left Walford on May 26, 2006, with his mother, in an effort to start a new life in Devon.
Freddie returned in November 2022, which was Brazier's welcome to the BBC soap in what was his acting debut.
His portrayal as Freddie won him the Rising Star at the 28th National Television Awards.
However, despite his departure being revealed previously, he is not due to leave the show until later this year.
A TV insider told The Sun that EastEnders bosses met with Bobby at a time when he was already thinking about making his exit.
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They added: “The timing of the decision worked for both, but his final scenes are not for a while yet.
“The character has had a great run, but the time is now right for Bobby to look for other opportunities, and for EastEnders to wave goodbye to Freddie Slater.”
Bobby Brazier breaks silence on leaving EastEnders
Speaking to OK Magazine, the young actor has opened up on what life may be like after his exit on the BBC soap.
He said: "I don’t know, I guess that’s how it really goes and how it works in this industry. You never really know what’s next until you go in for it.
"But yeah, I’d like to play a variety of different roles so I can work out what I like, what I’m good at, what I’m not good at and what I need to work on.
“I’d like to learn and study and also relax a little bit."
Team #EastEnders has won Soap of the Year at the 2025 @TRICawards . A huge thank you to everyone who voted for us, we appreciate each and every one of you! 🥳 🏆 pic.twitter.com/7YQ6qU1qFz
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) June 24, 2025
Bobby is not the only star to leave the show this year.
Molly Rainford, known for playing Queen Vic barmaid Anna Knight on the BBC soap, will be leaving the soap.
Clair Norris, who plays Bernie Taylor, has also left the show after eight years.
In March, it was revealed that Matthew James Morrison’s time as Felix Baker was coming to an end.
One of the biggest departures of the year was Natalie Cassidy, who played Sonia Fowler in EastEnders, and left the show after 32 years.
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Speaking about her exit, she said: “It felt very final but also very good. It’s a nice place to leave Sonia after so much has happened to her.
“Sonia feels like she’s never going to live down what happened with Reiss, so the only thing to do is leave the Square.
“I’m never going to say goodbye to her because, after 32 years, Sonia is ingrained in me. So, while I’m saying goodbye on screen, for now, Sonia is always there, knocking about!”
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