EastEnders has announced an upcoming storyline in which Bobby Beale is to explore Islam.
The teen character – who was responsible for the murder of his sister Lucy Beale – recently returned to Albert Square, having been sent to a youth offenders’ institute.
Soap bosses have said they hope to “demonstrate the positive impact of religion in modern society” with the upcoming storyline, for which they have worked closely with Muslim youth workers, specifically the Muslim Youth Helpline.
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Clay Milner Russell as Bobby Beale
BBC
The soap’s executive producer Jon Sen said: “We are thrilled to be working with the Muslim Youth Helpline on a storyline which serves to challenge preconceptions and prejudices about the role of faith in young peoples’ lives.
“Bobby Beale’s story will show how a young boy uses religion to help find peace and give his life meaning, structure and purpose.”
Muslim Youth Helpline is a support service which helps young Muslims in the UK with emotional and social issues specific to them.
Their director Zohra Khaku said: “The Muslim Youth Helpline have been providing feedback on Bobby’s storyline with the BBC EastEnders team.
“In a time where young British Muslims see their faith overwhelmingly represented in a negative way, it is heartening to see Islam portrayed as a positive influence in Bobby’s life.”
Bobby’s exit was broadcast in 2016, and since then, the character has been recast, with Clay Milner Russell taking over the role earlier this year.
Clay is the fifth actor to play Bobby Beale, having last been recast during the infamous “who killed Lucy Beale?” storyline.
'EastEnders' Recasts
Ben Mitchell (01 of10)
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Played by: Charlie Jones (2006–10), Joshua Pascoe (2010–12) and Harry Reid (2014–).Two other actors also played the troubled youngster back in the '90s, but since returning to Albert Square when Kathy Beale "died" in 2006, these three stars have been tasked with starring as Phil's son. (credit:BBC Pictures)
Lauren Branning(02 of10)
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Played by: Madeline Duggan (2006–10), Jacqueline Jossa (2010–).We loved Madeline, but casting Jacqueline as Lauren was a genius move, and under her careful watch, Lauren's been at the centre of a number of a key storylines, battling alcoholism, figuring out who killed her best friend and welcoming her own baby. (credit:Mark Cuthbert/Getty Images/BBC Pictures)
Bobby Beale (03 of10)
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Played by: Alex Francis (2007–12), Rory Stroud (2013–14), Eliot Carrington (2014–).Yes, we know - we should have solved the 'Who killed Lucy Beale?' case when Bobby was randomly recast as the plot kicked off. The Beale family have proven difficult for the soap's bosses, and all of Ian's kids have been recast at least once. Kevin Curran also starred as Bobby when he was a tot. (credit:BBC Pictures)
Lucy Beale (04 of10)
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Played by: Melissa Suffield (2004–10) and Hetti Bywater (2012–15). Another two actresses also played Lucy in her younger years, but it's Melissa and Hetti that fans will remember (though admittedly, Melissa's Lucy probably won't be remembered for the right reasons...) (credit:BBC Pictures)
Mark Fowler(05 of10)
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Played by: David Scarboro (1985–87) and Todd Carty (1990–2003).Todd took over as Mark following David's death. The character went on to become one of Walford's most-loved residents, and when Todd bid farewell to the soap, viewers said an emotional goodbye. (credit:PETER BROOKER/REX Shutterstock/BBC Pictures)
Sam Mitchell(06 of10)
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Played by: Danniella Westbrook (1990–2000), Kim Medcalf (2002–05) and Danniella (again) (2009–10).In one of the most bizarre recastings ever, Kim played Sam Mitchell, for nearly three years, however when Sam returned to Albert Square in 2009, she'd morphed back into Danniella again. (credit:Dan Wooller/REX Shutterstock/Nils Jorgensen)
Martin Fowler(07 of10)
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Played by: Jon Peyton-Price (1985–96), James Alexandrou (1996–2007) and James Bye (2014–).James II took over the role when Martin returned to the Square in 2014, and admittedly, it did take a while for us to stop wondering where the old James was. (credit:BBC Pictures)
Shabnam Masood(08 of10)
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Played by: Zahra Ahmadi (2007–08) and Rakhee Thakrar (2014–).Rakhee's starred in a number of emotional storylines since joining the soap, and her stillbirth episodes made for some of the most tear-jerking soap scenes of 2015. (credit:BBC Pictures)
Dennis Rickman(09 of10)
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Played by: Harry Hickles (2012–15) and Bleu Landau (2015–).Let's be honest - this was a long time coming. Perhaps now, Denny will actually leave his room and get some much-needed vitamin D. (credit:BBC Pictures)
Peter Beale(10 of10)
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Played by: Every actor in existence. Thomas Law and Ben Hardy are just two in a long line of Peter Beales, as a whooping six actors have tackled the role. Ben is now busy cracking Hollywood, which leaves us wondering whether he'd ever return to the soap. Could another recast be on the cards? (credit:BBC Pictures)