EastEnders viewers spot ‘glaring clue’ Bobby Beale will return to Walford

Bobby Beale bid an emotional goodbye to Albert Square after insisting on starting a fresh new life in the Cotswold with his mum, but fans are not convinced his absence is permanent

EastEnders aired an emotional exit for Bobby Beale (played by Clay Milner-Russell) on Thursday (September 19) evening but fans think he will be back after spotting an intriguing clue.

Earlier this week, the pie and mash shop worker had been left heartbroken when he discovered his girlfriend Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) kissing his best pal Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier).

Bobby was dealt another blow when he found out Anna had terminated her pregnancy without informing him.

Despite Anna wanting to get back together, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) lied to Bobby and told him she had admitted her feelings for Freddie.

**Bobby Beale decides to leave Walford after Anna Knight’s lies** (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Finding the situation hard to cope with, Bobby considered going to live with his mum Jane Beale (Laurie Brett) in the Cotswolds.

But during the latest trip to Walford, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) desperately tried to make Bobby stay in the Square as he was devastated by his son’s plans.

Anna’s lies also left Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) furious and reminded Cindy that she had put Ian in a similar situation 30 years ago.

Heartbroken Anna wanted to make things up with Bobby, but Cindy lied and said he didn’t want to see her, encouraging Anna to give him space for a week.

**Bobby hugs his nan Kathy goodbye** (Image: BBC)

At The Vic, Ian shouted at Freddie before confronting Anna about her lies. He was desperate to get Bobby to stay as he didn’t want to lose another child like he lost Steven and Lucy.

Later, Cindy and Ian found Bobby talking to Lucy at her grave after he killed her 10 years ago. Cindy soon attacked Bobby with the flowers, wanting him to face up to what he did to her daughter.

In poignant scenes, he decided to end his “prison sentence” and get away from the past for good. As the family became teary-eyed, Ian and Cindy agreed that Lucy would want to set him free.

**Jane Beale returned to Walford to pick up Bobby** (Image: BBC)

Jane then returned to the Square for the first time since 2017 to take Bobby to the Cotswolds and she shared some fond words with Ian.

Bobby said his farewell and got in the back of Jane’s car as the pair drove away from Albert Square for the last time.

But EastEnders viewers are convinced Bobby will be back in Walford soon after the BBC One soap failed to play out Julia’s Theme as he left the Square, which usually signals the end of the road for a character.

Taking to X, one viewer wrote: “Poor form for Bobby to not get a Julia’s theme. Unless he’s coming back… #EastEnders.”

**Bobby Beale has left Walford** (Image: BBC)

A second asked: “Bobby Beale didn’t get Julia’s Theme as he left? #eastenders”, while a third echoed: “Bobby should have got Julia’s theme in my opinion.”

“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”, added one fan.

“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”, added another.

EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer