1. The bombshell exit confirmed
Bobby Brazier, aged 22, will be leaving EastEnders later this year after joining in 2022 as Freddie Slater thesun.co.uk+15digitalspy.com+15dailystar.co.uk+15. This departure marks the end of what has been a major chapter for him—not just professionally, but personally as well.
2. Breaking his silence
At the recent National Film Awards red carpet, Bobby spoke candidly, saying simply, “he’s off,” and describing his feelings as mixed . He emphasized the warmth he’s felt on set:
“It feels like home and there is really a family sort of feeling… I will miss it and I’m very grateful for those three years.” reddit.com+2dailystar.co.uk+2digitalspy.com+2digitalspy.com+2thenews.com.pk+2thenews.com.pk+2
3. Why now? Timing and ambitions
The move aligns with his career momentum: after his acclaimed stint on Strictly Come Dancing (runner-up, 2023), modeling success, and roles like in Paramount+’s Curfew—his star is on the rise metro.co.uk+7thenews.com.pk+7thesun.co.uk+7. He and BBC producers mutually agreed that it was an ideal moment for him to explore new fields .
4. A break before goodbye
Bobby isn’t disappearing overnight. He’s already filmed exit scenes but will continue portraying Freddie until later in the year reddit.com+14digitalspy.com+14tvseasonspoilers.com+14. In the interim, he’s also taken short breaks (e.g., for Strictly) and will be back on set again post-competition oasisfm.com+7digitalspy.com+7dailystar.co.uk+7.
5. Emotional reflections
He revealed that while EastEnders is his first “real job,” and has taught him a great deal, he values variety, calling it important dailystar.co.uk+11digitalspy.com+11metro.co.uk+11. Fame isn’t his goal—his priority is acting and creative growth reddit.com.
6. Career highlights and accolades
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Won the National Television Award for Rising Star in 2023 thescottishsun.co.uk+7en.wikipedia.org+7thesun.co.uk+7
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Runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing 2023
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Roles in Curfew and a spin-off The Point of Mo Return thesun.co.uk+7en.wikipedia.org+7thenews.com.pk+7
This track record has earned him both critical praise and exciting new opportunitiesthesun.co.uk+2dailystar.co.uk+2thescottishsun.co.uk+2.
7. Context in cast shake-up
His exit comes amid broader cast reshuffling under new executive producer Ben Wadey, which includes returns for Michelle Ryan, Jake Wood, and Max Bowden, and breaks for Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) oasisfm.com+13thesun.co.uk+13thescottishsun.co.uk+13.
8. Fan reaction snapshots
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Many viewers appreciated his warmth and enjoyed his storylines—and were excited by his award recognitions.
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A segment of fans on Reddit debated his acting chops—some critical, others supportive. Highlights included:
“Freddie Slater is a good character… fits well in the Slater family.” tvseasonspoilers.com+15reddit.com+15dailystar.co.uk+15
“His lackluster acting ability… Every scene he is in is uncomfortable.” reddit.com
These conversations reflect how Freddie—and Bobby’s portrayal—was both embraced and critiqued metro.co.uk+4reddit.com+4tvseasonspoilers.com+4.
9. What’s next for Bobby?
While his exact upcoming projects aren’t announced, he’s eyeing roles that challenge him in acting, perhaps music or deeper dramatic work . His stated desire for creative variety and peace indicates he may follow a more introspective, artistically fulfilling path.
10. Final words from Bobby
He said,
“I will miss it… very grateful for those three years,”
making it clear this exit is heartfelt, not forced oasisfm.com+3digitalspy.com+3thenews.com.pk+3.
✅ Summary
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Bobby Brazier is confirmed to exit EastEnders later this year, after three emotionally impactful years as Freddie Slater.
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He publicly acknowledged the departure, expressing deep gratitude and “mixed”, heartfelt emotions.
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Building on his success across TV and reality, Bobby is transitioning now to pursue broader creative ambitions.
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Fans have responded with warmth, excitement, and some critique, reflecting the multifaceted impact of his character.
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