Traffic File

SOAP viewers were left with a horrifying cliff-hanger at the end of last night’s trip to Albert Square.

With Theo Hawthorne at death’s door, EastEnders viewers are wondering if Bobby Brazier will leave the BBC One soap.

2

Who does Bobby Brazier play in EastEnders and is he leaving?

Bobby Brazier first rocked up Walford in September, 2022, as his character returned to Albert Square for the first time in more than a decade.

The son of the late Jade Goody, the 20-year-old actor and model was chosen to portray young Freddie Slater.

As diehard fans of the London-based soap will know, Freddie is the son of Little Mo Slater and the product of her rape by Graham Foster.

During his time as the young lad, Bobby Brazier has become a favourite among fans due to his bubbly and outspoken on-screen personality.

The actor also took part in an emotional storyline as his alter ego was diagnosed with ADHD.

However, in most recent weeks, Freddie also learned that he was the result of Little Mo’s rape as he craved an emotional connection with his biological father Graham.

Freddie was shown clearly struggling with the discovery and he sought comfort in the form of Anna Knight, which ultimately ruined his friendship with best pal Bobby Beale.

And the mental struggle has taken a toll on the once cheerful character.

As mentioned above, Tuesday’s EastEnders instalment (October 3, 2023) ended horrifically for Freddie as he beat Theo Hawthorne (William Ellis) within an inch of his life in front of a shocked Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).

But fans of the long-running show will have to wait before they see what else is in store for Freddie as Bobby Brazier will be bowing out in upcoming scenes.

Thankfully, his exit will not be permanent.

“I’m taking a break”, he said in a interview revealed in September, 2023, “I’ve filmed it all, and I’m not telling you. I’ll be back.”

But what will interrupt his time in Walford?

Why is Bobby Brazier leaving EastEnders?

The budding soap actor is heading places… more particularly the Strictly dancefloor.

In August, 2023, it was announced that Bobby Brazier would take part in the 21st series of Strictly Come Dancing, which was launched on September 16, 2023.

Bobby is facing other recognisable soap stars in the likes of former Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas and Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach who left the Manchester-based show earlier this year.

Bobby stated he would be dedicating a dance to his late mother Jade Goody, who succumbed to cervical cancer in 2009, during his participation.

He made the revelation in an interview which involved him also revealing which songs he’d be most likely to dance to.

“There’s a few – it depends on the mood. ‘Saturday Love’ and also ‘This Woman’s Worth’ by Maxwell – that would be beautiful, I’d hope to make people cry doing that”, he said.

“Maybe I’ll dedicate that one [to my mum]. I haven’t thought about it, but maybe that one.”

While viewers can follow Bobby’s Strictly stint on BBC One, another question remains.

EASTENDERS NEWS

Everything you need to know about Eastenders

Is Theo Hawthorne dead in EastEnders?

Theo Hawthorne has been stalking Stacey Slater for several months, making her and her family feel unsafe in the Square.

Convinced she loves him as much as he “loves” her after their initial encounters on Secret Cam, Theo’s behaviour has become more unhinged than ever.

Despite her rejecting him, Theo is adamant he shares a romantic connection with Stacey and tried to act on it during Tuesday’s trip to the Square.

EastEnders fans were terrified as he broke into an oblivious Stacey’s home and attempted to rape her.

Luckily for Stacey, Freddie managed to catch Theo just in time as he arrived at No.31 with the intention of apologising to his cousin for a previous angry outburst.

Freddie threw Theo, his former teacher, off Stacey as she told him he had tried to rape her.

Knowing he was caught red-handed, Theo tried to reason with Freddie but the youngster lost his cool when Stacey was said to have “led him on.”

In an explosive nod to his mother Little Mo who attacked her abusive husband Trevor, Freddie Slater picked up a nearby iron and beat Theo unconscious.

The teacher was left bloodied and lifeless on the kitchen floor, with a traumatised Stacey standing over him.

During a recent chat with UK Times at the Inside Soap Awards, Theo actor William Ellis revealed his character’s story is “ongoing.”

“We have to wait and see, there’s more to come. That’s all I can say”, he added.

But could his story have an abrupt ending?

Will Theo survive the attack?

Will Freddie be arrested for the assault or run away?

Tune in tonight as EastEnders airs from 7.30pm on BBC One.

2