EastEnders fans 'convinced' Bobby Beale will return to Walford after spotting 'clue'

EastEnders bid an emotional farewell to Bobby Beale (portrayed by Clay Milner-Russell) on Thursday (September 19) evening, yet viewers believe he'll return after noticing a compelling hint.

Earlier this week, the pie and mash shop employee was left devastated when he caught his girlfriend Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) in a passionate embrace with his best mate Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier).

Adding insult to injury, Bobby discovered that Anna had ended her pregnancy without his knowledge. Despite Anna's attempts to reconcile, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) deceived Bobby, claiming she had confessed her feelings for Freddie.

Struggling with the situation, Bobby contemplated moving to the Cotswolds to live with his mother Jane Beale (Laurie Brett). However, during the latest visit to Walford, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) made desperate attempts to persuade Bobby to remain in the Square, deeply upset by his son's intentions.

Anna's deceit also infuriated Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), who reminded Cindy of a similar predicament she put Ian through three decades ago.

A heartbroken Anna sought to mend things with Bobby, but Cindy lied again, stating he didn't wish to see her and advised Anna to give him a week's space.

At The Vic, Ian lashed out at Freddie before confronting Anna about her lies, desperate to prevent Bobby from leaving as he couldn't bear to lose another child like Steven and Lucy, reports the Daily Star.

In the wake of his exit, alongside Jane who reappeared for the first time since 2017 to whisk him to the Cotswolds, Ian and Cindy watched tearfully, believing Lucy would have wanted to see her brother set free after a decade of turmoil following his involvement in her death.

The intense scenes saw an attack from Cindy with flowers, confronting Bobby about the dark past involving her daughter. Bobby then made the heartfelt decision to leave behind his "prison sentence" and seek a fresh start.

His parting moments included touching goodbyes before he got into Jane's car, leaving Albert Square behind.

However, viewers are suspicious of Bobby's potential return as the absence of Julia's Theme traditionally played out for characters making their final appearance was notably absent.

On X, one fan argued that the lack of this special theme signaled a possible comeback, stating: "Poor form for Bobby to not get a Julia's theme. Unless he's coming back... #EastEnders."

Questions and comments swirled on social media, with one supporter querying, "Bobby Beale didn't get Julia's Theme as he left? #eastenders", and another contending, "Bobby should have got Julia's theme in my opinion."

Another devoted viewer highlighted an inconsistency: "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".

"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", one fan remarked on the revolving door of actors playing the role.

EastEnders airs Monday - Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer