Freddie behind the counter in the chippy in EastEnders
With Bobby Brazier joining Strictly, will his character Freddie have to leave the soap? (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Freddie Slater arrived in Albert Square just last year, but he’s quickly become a much-loved face in EastEnders.

He rocked up looking for his real dad, and soon found out that it wasn’t Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) – but the truth came as a terrible shock.

Freddie was completely devastated to learn that his mum, Little Mo, had been raped by his biological father, Graham Foster, in 2003, and took himself back home to talk things through with her – but returned.

So with actor Bobby Brazier, who plays him, getting set to sparkle in Strictly, will Freddie be leaving EastEnders?

Let’s find out.

Is Freddie Slater leaving EastEnders?

Freddie Slater will be leaving EastEnders – but the good news for fans is it’s only temporarily.

Bobby Brazier
Bobby is joining Strictly 2023 (Picture: BBC/PA Wire)

Bobby is keeping tight-lipped about the storyline that would lead to his character’s temporary exit.

‘I’m taking a break,’ he confirmed.

‘I’ve filmed it all, and I’m not telling you.’

But in words which will bring comfort to his many fans, he added: ‘I’ll be back.’

So far, we haven’t seen Freddie’s exit storyline playing out, and as the show is filmed in advance, we’re expecting him to remain on screen for at least a couple of weeks.

It’s been quite a year for Bobby, who won the Rising Star prize for his performances as Freddie at the National Television Awards earlier this month.

He paid tribute to his dad as he left viewers in tears during his poignant acceptance speech.

Bobby Brazier and dad Jeff
Bobby with his dad, Jeff Brazier, at the National Television Awards (Picture: Matt Crossick/Shutterstock for NTA)

Bobby is the son of late Big Brother star Jade Goody, who died of cervical cancer aged just 27 in March 2009.

Goody’s mum Jackiey Budden shared her pride ahead of Bobby’s Strictly debut, saying: ‘I’m over the moon and he’s just stepped in his mum’s shoes — he’s in Jade’s trotters.’

Jade Goody with son Bobby
Bobby with his mum Jade in 2006 (Picture: David Hartley/REX/Shutterstock)

Bobby joins the likes of Amanda Abbington, Zara McDermott, Les Dennis, and Angela Rippon as part of the Strictly 2023 cast, which launches on Saturday (September 16).

He’s one of the favourites to win the coveted Strictly Glitterball.

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