Clay Milner Russell

Clay Milner Russell (born 25 July 1999) is an English actor, known for playing Bobby Beale on the BBC soap opera EastEnders from 2019 to 2024.

Life and career Clay Milner Russell was born on 25 July 1999 in Tower Hamlets, London, England. He began his acting career in 2013 when he appeared in the short film The Parachutist.

In June 2019, Russell was announced to be joining the cast of the BBC soap opera EastEnders as the fifth actor to take on the role of Bobby Beale. His first scenes aired on 13 June 2019 when the character is released from prison following the murder of his sister, Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater). Some of his key storylines as Bobby have included the character converting to Islam and subsequently becoming the victim of a racial attack, suffering from OCD, his infatuation with Dotty Cotton (Milly Zero), his relationships with Dana Monroe (Barbara Smith) and Anna Knight (Molly Rainford), and his friendship with Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier). For his portrayal of Bobby, Russell was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Inside Soap Awards in 2020. In April 2024, it was reported that Russell would be leaving EastEnders after five years in the role.

Filmography Year Title Role Notes 2013 The Parachutist Short film 2019–2024 EastEnders Bobby Beale Regular role Bare Filming

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Work Result 2020 Inside Soap Awards Best Newcomer EastEnders