EastEnders fans 'predict' Bobby Beale return after spotting 'give-away' clue

EastEnders fans were left teary-eyed as Bobby Beale, played by Clay Milner-Russell, made a heart-wrenching exit on Thursday (September 19) evening. However, sharp-eyed viewers are convinced he'll be back after spotting a telling clue.

Earlier this week, the pie and mash shop worker was left heartbroken when he walked in on his girlfriend Anna Knight, played by Molly Rainford, getting cosy with his best friend Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier).

To add to Bobby's sorrow, he found out that Anna had terminated her pregnancy without informing him. Despite Anna's efforts to make amends, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), tricked Bobby into believing she had confessed her feelings for Freddie.

Struggling to cope with the situation, Bobby considered relocating to the Cotswolds to live with his mum Jane Beale (Laurie Brett) according to the Daily Star.

However, during the latest episode, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) tried desperately to convince Bobby to stay in the Square, deeply saddened by his son's plans.

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Anna's deception also angered Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) who reminded Cindy of how she had put Ian in a similar situation thirty years ago.

A distraught Anna wanted to patch things up with Bobby, but Cindy lied again, saying he didn't want to see her and suggested Anna give him a week's space.

At The Vic, Ian vented his anger at Freddie before confronting Anna about her lies. He was desperate to prevent Bobby from leaving, not wanting to lose another child like he lost Steven and Lucy.

In a dramatic turn of events, Cindy and Ian discovered Bobby talking to his late sister Lucy at her grave, ten years after the tragic incident for which he was responsible. A furious Cindy took out her anger on Bobby with flowers, forcing him to come to terms with the terrible thing he had done to her daughter.

The emotional moment came as Bobby decided to let go of the self-imposed "prison sentence" that was his past, aiming to move forward from his tumultuous history.

With tears streaming down their faces, Ian and Cindy came to the realisation that releasing Bobby from his guilt was likely what Lucy would have wanted.

Marking a significant moment, Jane made a poignant comeback to the Square, showing up for the first time since 2017, admitting she's there to bring Bobby away to the Cotswolds, leaving a tender farewell to Ian as she goes.

Bobby bid a heartfelt goodbye to his family and hopped into Jane's car, as the two made their final departure from Albert Square.

Yet, devoted EastEnders fans are speculating that Bobby's exit from Walford is not set in stone, after observing the BBC One drama's decision not to accompany his departure with Julia's Theme, which often heralds a character's permanent farewell.

On social media platform X, speculation among viewers stirred, with one commenting: "Poor form for Bobby to not get a Julia's theme. Unless he's coming back... #EastEnders."

Queries and opinions poured in as another viewer questioned: "Bobby Beale didn't get Julia's Theme as he left? #eastenders", and yet another added their view: "Bobby should have got Julia's theme in my opinion."

Taking a stand on character departures, a fan asserted: "If Karen bloody Taylor gets a Julia's Theme exit - only to pop back twice within the following six months - then Bobby Beale absolutely deserves it #EastEnders".

One fan tweeted: "Bobby's gone. If/when he returns it'll probably be another actor. I've lost count of the total number of Bobby Beales we've had (the same for Ben Mitchell too). #EastEnders".

EastEnders airs Monday - Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer