EastEnders star Clay Milner Russell to leave Bobby Beale role

EastEnders star Clay Milner Russell has quit the soap after five years in the role of Bobby Beale.

The Sun reports that the actor has chosen to leave the show to pursue other roles.

A source told the paper that the actor is keen to “play all kinds of roles” after departing the BBC Elstree production, which will leave the door open for him to potentially return in the future.

“Clay has loved playing Bobby but he became an actor to play all kinds of roles and he wants to do that. The door is being left open but for now it’s a definite goodbye.”

Thomas Law returned to his role of Peter in 2023, pictured with the departing Clay Milner Russell who plays Bobby

The Beale family, EastEnders

Milner Russell debuted as the fifth incarnation of Bobby in June 2019, with the character having spent 3 years off-screen in prison for killing his sister Lucy.

Bobby’s storylines have since included his conversion to Islam, struggles with mental health, navigating strained familial relationships in light of what happened to Lucy, and relationships with Dana Monroe and Anna Knight.

A spokeswoman for the BBC One soap confirmed the actor’s departure, noting:

 “We can confirm that Clay will be leaving EastEnders later on this year, and we wish him the best for the future.”

EastEnders Monday-Thursday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer