In a surprising announcement, *EastEnders* star Bobby Brazier, known for his portrayal of Freddy Slater, has confirmed that he plans to step away from acting for a while. At just 21, Bobby has already made a significant impact on the soap world, having played Freddy since 2022, and most recently gaining attention as a finalist on *Strictly Come Dancing*. Despite his rising stardom, Bobby has revealed that the pressures of juggling multiple projects are starting to weigh on him, leading him to reconsider his path for the time being.
In an interview with *The Daily Star*’s hot TV column, Bobby shared, “I think I need to step away from acting for a bit and have a break. I’m 20, but I haven’t felt 20 in a very long time.” This sentiment reflects the emotional toll that comes with balancing a career in the spotlight, as Bobby continues to navigate his acting commitments on *EastEnders* alongside his success in modeling and television.
Bobby, the son of the late reality star Jade Goody and TV presenter Jeff Brazier, has been open about the challenges he’s faced as his popularity grows. Reflecting on his experience with fame, he confessed to *The Times*, “I don’t want to be famous. Maybe I did when I was younger, but now I just want to act.” His honest admission offers a glimpse into the personal struggles that come with life in the public eye, particularly for someone so young.
While Bobby enjoys performing, his recent stint on *Strictly Come Dancing* also presented unexpected challenges. Despite his love for dancing, which he says brings him joy, the demands of the show became overwhelming at times. “There were a couple of weeks during *Strictly* when it got too much. I only felt peace when I came home to be with Freddy, Dad, and Kate, my stepmom,” Bobby shared. In fact, he even admitted that at one point, he wished to be voted off, not because he wasn’t enjoying the experience, but because the pressures of fame were starting to take their toll.
Despite the stress, Bobby is still passionate about his work on *EastEnders* and his modeling career. However, he hinted at the possibility of stepping back from the limelight to focus on personal growth and exploration. “I love my job on *EastEnders* and modeling, but I might take a break to travel, get inspired, and meet new people,” he explained. This potential break would allow Bobby to reset and explore new experiences beyond acting and entertainment, an idea that his father, Jeff Brazier, seems to understand and support. “Dad will understand,” Bobby said, even suggesting that his father might join him on his travels.
Meanwhile, on *EastEnders*, Freddy Slater’s storyline continues to develop, and his character is at the heart of some recent drama in Albert Square. Cindy Beale, one of the show’s most iconic characters, is encouraging her daughter, Anna Knight, to rekindle her friendship with Freddy. The two young characters recently decided to give things another shot as friends and even spent time birdwatching together in an attempt to move past the awkwardness of their previous encounters.
However, when Freddy and Anna return to the Vic, their friendly outing doesn’t go unnoticed. Ian Beale, still reeling from past events, is less than pleased to see them hanging out. His disapproving looks soon turn into harsh words, making it clear that he’s not happy with the friendship between the two. Ian’s harsh attitude toward Freddy and Anna sparks tension, forcing Cindy to leave the scene in frustration. When Ian later tries to apologize, it’s clear that Cindy is not in the mood for forgiveness, leaving their relationship on shaky ground.
As Bobby Brazier takes a step back to reflect on his future, *EastEnders* fans will be watching closely to see what happens next with Freddy and the other characters on Albert Square. Whether Bobby decides to return to acting or take some time to explore the world, one thing is clear: his journey, both on and off the screen, is far from over.
