BBC EastEnders star in shock exit after five years on show
EastEnders star Clay Milner Russell who plays Bobby Beale in the BBC soap has announced he's leaving the show after five years.
The actor took over the role in 2019 and has taken on storylines from romance, to converting to Islam and had an awkward reunion with Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) - the mother of his murder victim, Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater).
The Sun revealed that Clay will be leaving his role after a source told them: “Clay’s a talented actor and he’s ambitious. He was never going to stay in EastEnders forever. He’s loved playing Bobby but he became an actor to play all kinds of roles and he wants to do that."
A BBC spokesperson told OK: "We can confirm that Clay will be leaving EastEnders later on this year, and we wish him the best for the future.”
Clay was the fifth actor to take on the role and he took over the part from Eliot Carrington who played Bobby from 2014 to 2017. Eliot had a major storyline during his time at EastEnders which was the big 'whodunnit' after Lucy Beale's murder in 2015.
After being caught and doing time in prison - in which time Clay took over the role, Bobby since has redeemed himself and has had storyline such as suicide attempts, converting to Islam, developing and struggling with OCD and entering a relationship with Dana Monroe (Barbara Smith).
The news of Clay's exit shortly follows Max Bowden's final appearance as Ben Mitchell.
Ben was taken to prison after committing fraud in America, he was there last year trying to find treatment to save Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold). No one in Walford knew what Ben had done until he was arrested in Albert Square.
Ben and Callum Highway (Tony Clay) shared a touching goodbye in the final episode.
Actress Shona McGarty, who plays Whitney Dean, will also be leaving the soap. She announced her exit to The Sun on Sunday in July last year and said: “I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show.
“I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships — and family — which will endure.”
Fans still aren't sure how Whitney will leave the show, but with Zack Hudson (James Farrar) having tried to kiss Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), it may have something to do with their betrayal.
