Ben Hardy, now a Hollywood star, has opened up about his decision to leave *EastEnders* and how the intense experience on the soap shaped his career. Hardy, 33, played Peter Beale, a key figure in one of the soap’s most gripping storylines—the murder of Peter’s onscreen sister, Lucy Beale, by their half-brother Bobby. This storyline captivated viewers as the mystery of Lucy’s death unraveled in a tense “whodunit,” leaving lasting consequences on the residents of Walford.

After Lucy’s murder, the Beale family was shattered. While Bobby’s crime was kept a secret by the family, Peter couldn’t cope with the decision to protect Bobby. Distraught and unable to live with the deception, Peter made the difficult choice to leave Walford, heading for New Zealand to start fresh. There, he was eventually joined by his girlfriend Lauren Branning, who had given birth to their son, Louie. This exit marked a significant moment for *EastEnders* fans, as Peter’s departure symbolized the deep emotional toll Lucy’s death had on the Beale family.

The role of Peter Beale was initially portrayed by actor Thomas Law from 2006 to 2010, but Ben Hardy stepped into the character’s shoes when Peter returned to Walford in later years. Although Hardy was at the center of some of *EastEnders’* most dramatic moments, he has recently opened up about the personal challenges he faced during his time on the show.

In an interview with *The Independent*, Ben revealed the emotional and professional struggles that ultimately led him to leave *EastEnders*. “I struggled for a year to make things work,” Hardy explained. While he has immense respect for his co-stars and the production team, he admitted feeling “lazy as an actor” during his time on the show. This realization, coupled with a growing fear of complacency, made him rethink his path. “It scared me, and I knew I had to leave,” Hardy confessed, describing a deep internal conflict that ultimately pushed him to step away from the role of Peter Beale.

Since departing Walford, Ben Hardy’s career has skyrocketed, and he has become a bona fide Hollywood star. He gained international fame for his portrayal of Queen drummer Roger Taylor in the critically acclaimed *Bohemian Rhapsody*, which chronicled the rise of the legendary rock band. Hardy’s transition from soap opera to blockbuster films proved his versatility as an actor and solidified his place in the entertainment industry. In addition to his role in *Bohemian Rhapsody*, Hardy appeared as Angel in *X-Men: Apocalypse*, further cementing his status as a rising star in Hollywood.

Most recently, Hardy took on a completely different role in *Unicorns*, a film about an unexpected love story between an Essex car mechanic and a South Asian drag queen, played by Jason Patel. Hardy expressed his passion for the project, emphasizing its message of inclusivity and love. “It’s about people loving whoever they want to love,” Hardy said, reflecting on the film’s themes. He shared his hope that audiences would walk away from the movie saying, “That was a beautiful love story,” as that was the reaction he and the team behind the film aimed for.

Despite his Hollywood success, Ben Hardy remains grateful for his time on *EastEnders* and acknowledges the impact it had on his growth as an actor. Reflecting on his early career, Hardy described *EastEnders* as his “screen education.” The fast-paced nature of soap opera filming helped him develop technical skills, which he now considers second nature. “It made me comfortable on film sets,” Hardy explained, adding that his experience on the show turned certain aspects of acting into “muscle memory.” The rigorous demands of daily filming on *EastEnders* prepared him for the complex and varied roles he would later take on in Hollywood.

Though his departure from *EastEnders* was driven by a desire to challenge himself and avoid complacency, Ben Hardy looks back on his time in Walford with respect and appreciation. He acknowledges that the soap opera world provided him with a solid foundation for the career he has now. However, his need to push himself creatively and take on new challenges ultimately led him to pursue opportunities beyond the confines of Walford.

In making the leap from *EastEnders* to Hollywood, Hardy has proven himself to be more than just a soap star. His roles in major films like *Bohemian Rhapsody* and *X-Men: Apocalypse* showcase his range and talent, while his more recent projects, like *Unicorns*, highlight his willingness to take on roles that challenge societal norms and offer meaningful commentary on love and identity.

The journey from Walford to Hollywood has not been without its difficulties, but Ben Hardy’s decision to leave *EastEnders* has paid off in ways even he may not have imagined. While he left behind the beloved role of Peter Beale and the world of *EastEnders*, Hardy’s bold move to Hollywood has allowed him to grow as an actor and explore new, exciting opportunities in his career.

For fans of *EastEnders*, Hardy’s departure was bittersweet. Peter Beale’s exit marked the end of an era, but for Ben Hardy, it was the beginning of a new chapter. Today, he is recognized as one of Hollywood’s rising stars, a testament to his talent, hard work, and willingness to take risks in his career. His story serves as an inspiration to actors and fans alike, showing that sometimes, stepping away from comfort and familiarity is necessary to reach new heights.

As he continues to evolve as an actor, Ben Hardy’s journey from Walford to Hollywood reminds us of the power of growth, resilience, and the pursuit of passion. From the cobbled streets of Albert Square to the bright lights of Hollywood, Ben Hardy’s career is a true success story.