Bobby Brazier gives update on BBC EastEnders return after fears of huge career change
Actor Bobby Brazier has shared his plans for the future following his stint on Strictly Come Dancing as fans fear the young star could turn his back on EastEnders
Bobby Brazier has addressed his return to EastEnders after his stint on Strictly Come Dancing.
The 20-year-old joined the cast in 2022 as Freddie Slater, where he quickly become a fan-favourite. His performance as Freddie even landed him a National Television Award award for his role on the BBC soap. However, Bobby decided to temporarily pause his soap career so he could show off his moves on Strictly Come Dancing.
His character Freddie was arrested and later released on bail for the attempted murder of Theo. Bobby has been partnered with professional dancer Dianne Buswell on the dance competition, where they quickly became favourites to win. He has gained an even stronger following since his appearance on Strictly, sparking concerns he may not return to EastEnders.
Bobby played Freddie Slater in EastEnders before taking a break from the soap (
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
However, in a recent interview Bobby declared he would be going back to the soap. Speaking to Heat Magazine, he admitted: “I don’t know when or how, but I am going back after the Strictly tour. I miss everyone and I miss acting. Every so often, a dance will feel like a scene – like when I was being Patrick Swayze [in Movies Week] – and it feels like I’m stepping into a role, which makes me miss work.”
His comments come after reports Bobby is being chased by a number of West End theatre bosses. Several artistic directors see him as ‘leading man material’ with the model catching the eye, it has been claimed. “Bobby’s time on Strictly certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed by theatre bosses – they really feel he has star quality and would put bums in seats, given his huge popularity,” a TV insider told The Sun.
“Bobby’s so graceful on the dancefloor they believe he wouldn’t look out of place on a big musical production, or even a play,” they added. Before getting going on the show, Bobby was quizzed on his EastEnders future and said: “I’m taking a break. I’ve filmed it all, and I’ll be back.”
His EastEnders co-star Molly Rainford, who plays Anna Knight on the show, also dropped a big hint about Bobby’s comeback two months ago. Molly hinted at who Anna might end up with in Walford, saying: “I think Anna realised pretty soon after she arrived that she had feelings for Bobby Beale. But it’s a hard situation to navigate when you’ve got someone who’s part of your family, but not your family. It would be really cute if they could make a go of things.”
Speaking to TV Times, she suggested: “Freddie is the obvious guy for her to go for. But maybe the underdog will surprise her in the end!” Bobby has previously opened up about his exit storyline on the soap, and that he hoped it would be the end of Theo. “The show is in a great place, and being a Slater is my favourite thing about being on the show.
“Those girls, I could speak about them all day I really love them, and what they do and how they do it and who they are on and off screen,” he said, before adding of working with William Ellis – who plays Theo, “No, I hope I have scared him away forever. However, Will Ellis who plays him I absolutely love but Theo can do one. Will is a sweetheart. I haven’t got a clue what is coming up.”
