Thursday’s episode of EastEnders ended on an explosive cliffhanger with young Freddie Slater being carted off by the police after he was charged with attempted murder. But could this be the last time fans will see the character in Albert Square?
The exit scene comes after a tense showdown between Freddie and Theo Hawthorne, with the creepy teacher violently attacked and left for dead at the hands of the troubled schoolboy during Tuesday’s episode.
Freddie walked in on his former teacher trying to rape his relative Stacey Slater, with her pinned down on the kitchen floor. Seconds later, Freddie and Theo engaged in a violent brawl that ended with Theo’s lifeless body on the ground.
Bobby Brazier is partnered with Dianne Buswell on Strictly
Bobby Brazier and Jeff Brazier at the NTAs
Thankfully, the model and actor, 20, is only taking a break from his role to appear on Strictly Come Dancing. In a recent interview, Bobby, who is the son of late TV star Jade Goody and Jeff Brazier said: “I’m taking a break. I’ve filmed it all, and I’m not telling you. I’ll be back.” The young actor has already become a favourite to take home Strictly Come Dancing’s Glitterball trophy, as he competes in the competition alongside partner Dianne Buswell.
Bobby is facing other recognisable soap stars in the likes of former Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas and Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach. He remains one of the bookies’ favourites despite Bobby’s reservations. Opening up about his chances, he said: “They [the bookies] have no reason to think that. It’s only because I’m young, and apparently quite fun.” Bobby is still placed at 3/1 to win the show.
Bobby first appeared in Walford in September 2022, playing the son of Little Mo Slater. He has since been the centre of important storylines, including when his character was diagnosed with ADHD.
It comes after leaving his dad in tears at the National Television Awards. Accepting the Rising Star award earlier this month, he said: “I’ve been thinking about what I might say over the last couple of days and it’s become very, very obvious. This actually has very, very, very little to do with me and everything to do with my dad.
He added: “Over the course of the last 20 years I’ve consistently heard him say, ‘Because I can’, it was a mantra or a motto of his, and him just saying that, ‘Because I can!’ you know, why not?” Jeff was seen wiping his eyes before being comforted by EastEnders’ Molly Rainford.
Praising his castmates, Bobby added: “I had no experience, I still don’t have a clue what I’m doing, to be honest. But they’ve all been so supportive and just lovely, and merciful, and everything that I needed throughout the whole time. They’re so good that I don’t even need to ask any questions, I just observe, and naturally, I progress. And here I am, with an NTA.”
