Latest news with #AnnaKnight
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders star Bobby Brazier breaks silence after quitting show in shock move
next steps The young actor recently scooped a prize for another project Published: 10:04, Updated: 10:04, EASTENDERS star Bobby Brazier has broken his silence after quitting the BBC soap. The 22-year-old began playing Freddie Slater upon the character's return to Walford in 2022. 4 4 4 Last month, The Sun revealed Bobby is set to leave the show later this year. The actor has now addressed what's next once his time on EastEnders comes to an end. He attended the National Film Awards ceremony, where he won an award for his role in Paramount+ series Curfew. Asked what his next plans were, Bobby told Reach: "I don't know, I guess that's how it really goes and how it works in this industry. "You never really know what's next until you go for it. "But yeah, I'd like to play a variety of different roles so I can work out what I like, what I'm good at and what I need to work on." Viewers have seen Freddie learn the harrowing truth about his biological dad Graham Foster. The character has also explored a potential romantic bond with Anna Knight (Molly Rainford). An EastEnders spokeswoman said previously: 'We can confirm that Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.' A telly insider revealed: 'Bosses had a meeting with Bobby only recently as they had a plan in mind for a storyline, and it just so happened that Bobby was also thinking that now was the right time to look for other opportunities outside the show. Huge EastEnders star to QUIT soap after four years 'to look for other opportunities' 'The timing of the decision worked for both, but his final scenes are not for a while yet. 'The character has had a great run, but the time is now right for Bobby to look for other opportunities, and for EastEnders to wave goodbye to Freddie Slater.' News of his departure came as incoming boss Ben Wadey makes exciting casting decisions with the returns of some high-profile stars, including Michelle Ryan (Zoe Slater), Jake Wood (Max Branning) and Max Bowden (Ben Mitchell). Meanwhile, co-star Molly is set to bow out as Anna after two years in the role. Inside Bobby Brazier's burgeoning TV career Bobby Brazier has risen through the ranks to become a well known face on British TV. As the son of Jade Goody and Jeff Brazier, he has been well-known amongst the public from a young age. Bobby first embarked on a showbiz career when he was just 16-years old when he started modelling. The star made his catwalk debut in 2020 at Milan Fashion Week, but it wasn't long before he had his eyes on a TV career. He shot to prominence in 2022 when he was cast as Freddie Slater in EastEnders. The incredibly acting skills displayed on screen earned him the National Television Award in the 'Rising Star' category. His famous dad was in tears as Bobby accepted the award on stage in front of the likes of Holly Willoughby and Alison Hammond. It wasn't long before BBC bosses wanted him to take part in the 21st series of Strictly Come Dancing. He clearly impressed the viewers with his dancing skills as he made the grand final and was a runner-up. Since then, viewers were delighted when he returned to his role in the long-running BBC One soap. The BBC confirmed her exit, saying: 'We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future.' Other recent exits including Clair Norris as Bernadette and Matthew James Morrison as Felix. Elsewhere, show stalwart Lacey Turner is taking a break as Stacey Slater. EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer. 4
Daily Mail
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders favourite 'bids farewell to the soap' after two years amid string of other cast exits
Molly Rainford is reportedly 'set to wave goodbye' to her EastEnders' character Anna Knight after two years on the soap. The actress, 24, is rumoured to be be leaving Walford soon - although the date of her last appearance remains unclear. 'We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future,' a BBC spokesperson told The Mirror. It appears it was a 'mutual decision between Molly and the soap bosses' - after new Executive Producer Ben Wadey took over the soap. The source also claimed the star is 'ready for new ventures', but details about Anna's exit remain 'under wraps for now'. MailOnline has contacted Molly's representatives and the BBC for comment. Molly has played Anna Knight on EastEnders since 2023, after starting her career on the CBBC, presenting Friday Download and starring as the titular character in sci-fi series Nova Jones. The reports emerged a few weeks after Molly and her partner Tyler West reportedly signed up for the next series of Celebrity Race Across the World - proving the star has kept herself booked and busy. The soap beauty and the broadcaster, 29, who met during BBC 's Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, are said to be taking on the travel challenge together. A source told The Sun: 'Molly and Tyler are a huge coup for the show. 'They're popular with millions of viewers from their stints on Strictly, and Molly will bring in loads of EastEnders fans too. 'They are a very adventurous pair and have brilliant chemistry, so bosses are confident they will become huge fan favourites.' Last year, Molly and Tyler moved into their first home together and began sharing their home improvements journey with their followers. Alongside a clip of the couple inside their new home and in the 'Strictly' ballroom doing a clapping routine, Molly wrote on Instagram: 'Well guys, it was only right that we let you into our little home, the next part of our journey starts now @homewithmolty.' At the end of the clip, Tyler quipped: 'We've got a lot of cleaning up to do babe.' After previously denying speculation they were dating, the pair posted a TikTok with Tyler seen placing his hand on Molly's leg as they recited lines from 'Friends'. The audio they used was of Rachel Green and Joey Tribbiani telling each other they knew Monica Geller and Chandler Bing were dating in secret. The clip was captioned: 'Did you know? @MollyRainford,' with Tyler adding a red love heart and a crying with laughter emoji. While she first came to fame after getting to the finals of Britain's Got Talent in 2012 and made new fans with her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022. After failing to win BGT when she was 11 years old, Simon and his record label sponsored her to go to the coveted Sylvia Young Theatre School. The prestigious London school has been a hotbed of talent for decades, producing singers including Adele, Dua Lipa, Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora, and Emma Bunton, plus actors Keeley Hawes, Nicholas Hoult and Daniel Kaluuya. Molly previously explained: 'I did Britain's Got Talent in 2012 when I was 11 years old. The soap beauty and the broadcaster, 29, who met during BBC 's Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, are said to be taking on the travel challenge together (seen on Strictly) That definitely changed my life because after getting to the finals, I was sponsored by Sony Music and Simon Cowell to go to the Sylvia Young theatre school. From those auditions throughout school, I got into the CBBC world.' Music mogul Simon agreeing to sponsor her stage-schooling when Molly's family turned down his offer of a record deal, determined their daughter would not become a one-hit wonder.
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Shock exit for EastEnders star after two years as new boss makes sweeping changes
EASTENDERS star Molly Rainford is leaving the show after two years as new boss Ben Wadey makes sweeping changes. The actress plays Queen Vic barmaid Anna Knight and arrived in 2023 as part of the new family taking over the iconic boozer. 3 3 3 But just two years later discussions with bosses led to Strictly star Molly deciding to leave the show to pursue new opportunities. A source said: 'New boss Ben Wadey is making sweeping changes on the show and his decision coincided with Mollie deciding she wanted to pursue other challenges. 'She's hugely talented and wants to spread her wings and see what else is out there for her.' The BBC have confirmed Molly's exit saying: 'We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future.' An insider added: 'Molly came into the show two years ago, and in that time has been trusted with some great storylines. 'It's just so happened that when Molly was considering other options in her career, a meeting was held to discuss the future of the character, and both parties were in mutual agreement that it was the right time for Anna Knight to wave goodbye to Walford.' Molly found fame aged 11 on Britain's Got Talent before becoming a TV presenter and actress on CBBC. In 2022 she was the runner up on Strictly Come Dancing, losing out to wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin. Molly is the fourth star to leave under Ben Wadey's new tenure. Bernie Winter star Clair Norris was left upset by her axing earlier this year. And her on-screen cousin, Matthew James Morrison, who plays Felix Baker, is to leave alongside her next month.
Metro
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
EastEnders star Molly Rainford has a famous dad - do you recognise him?
EastEnders star Molly Rainford is best known for pulling pints in The Queen Vic alongside her family in Walford. But appearing as Anna Knight in the long-running BBC soap opera isn't Mollie's first rodeo – she auditioned for Britain's Got Talent in 2012, at the age of only 11. From there, she made it through to the final, finishing in sixth place, behind eventual winners Ashleigh Butler and performing dog Pudsey. After attending theatre school, she went on to appear as a presenter on the CBBC's entertainment series Friday Download from 2014 to 2016. Starring as Nova Jones in the comedy-drama series of the same name, she went on to appear as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, before being cast as EastEnders' Anna Knight a year later. At 24 years old, Molly has already had a remarkable career. And she's not the only star in her family either – being the daughter of former football legend Dave Rainford. 46-year-old Dave began his career in 1997, playing for Colchester United. From there, he went on to play for Slough Town, Heybridge Swift, Bishop's Stortford and AFC Hornchurch. In 2008, he signed on as a midfielder for Chelmsford City, becoming their Captain and later assistant manager in 2012. Dave hung up his boots in 2014, and now serves as head of education and academy player care with the Premier League. This fact has been rediscovered by viewers on Reddit, while others were suprised to learn how long former child star Molly has been in the industry. 'Wow I had no idea she did that before surprising and cool,' said JazzlikeTea7432. More Trending 'i used to watch her in friday download as a kid! she was part of the recast which went on for a while :)' exclaimed MARN-E. Since joining EastEnders, Molly has been at the heart of a number of recent storylines – including being spiked while on a night out last year. The resulting anguish led to her split from boyfriend Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) as she took comfort in the arms of pal Feddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) – although their relationship wasn't to last either, once she learned he'd cheated on her with her own sister (Francesca Henry). View More » In real life, Molly also has a famous partner – Kiss FM presenter Tyler West, 29, who she met on the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: EastEnders confirms unexpected news about show's biggest legend – just weeks after return
Edinburgh Live
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
EastEnders' Molly Rainford has a very famous dad and fans are only just realising
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info EastEnders actress Molly Rainford, known for her role as Anna Knight, has a rather famous father - a fact that fans are only just catching onto thanks to social media. Rainford portrays the character of Anna Knight, daughter of George Knight and Cindy Beale in the popular BBC soap. She made her debut in Albert Square in June 2023 and is fast approaching her two-year anniversary on the show. The 24 year old is also recognised for her stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, where she was paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu. Despite making it to the finals, she was pipped to the post by CBeebies star Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal, who took home the glitterball trophy that year. READ MORE - Kate Middleton's 'very strict' rule for her children 'just as important as maths' READ MORE - Queen's favourite sandwich she had 'for every afternoon tea' since she was a girl Rainford is currently dating her Strictly co-star, KISS DJ Tyler West, after sparks flew between them on the show. The couple took their relationship up a notch in January 2024 when they announced they had moved in together. However, acting and dancing aren't Rainford's only claims to fame. She first rose to prominence following her rendition of Ave Maria in the Britain's Got Talent finals in 2012, at the tender age of 11, reports the Mirror. Moreover, she isn't the only well-known figure in her family. Her father is ex-footballer Dave Rainford. The 46 year old began his career at Colchester United as a teenager before playing for Slough Town, Heybridge Swift, Bishop's Stortford and AFC Hornchurch. The former midfielder joined Chelmsford City in 2008 and later became their assistant manager in 2012. After hanging up his boots in 2014, Dave now holds a senior position in the Premier League, serving as Head of Education and Academy Player Care. EastEnders enthusiasts flocked to Reddit to discuss whether Molly could be considered a 'nepo baby' following the revelation of her father's identity, despite his career being in a completely different sector. Some viewers were quick to highlight that Molly had wowed Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell during her stint on the ITV programme, earning herself the show's inaugural drama school scholarship to the Sylvia Young Theatre School. This opportunity paved the way for her to secure presenting gigs on CBBC's Friday Download and a lead role in the sci-fi series Nova Jones. One viewer expressed their opinion bluntly: "That's a lot of nepotism". Yet another fan leapt to her defence, countering with: "None of it is nepotism - it isn't family connections that have helped her out she was just lucky enough to have been given a massive opportunity at a young age." Another chimed in, arguing that her father's football ties wouldn't have been influential in her music or TV career, stating: "I don't see how she's a nepo baby when neither of her parents have any connection to TV or film." While Molly has acknowledged a celebrity who she feels "changed my life", she was not referring to her dad Dave but rather to music impresario Simon Cowell. Reflecting on her journey, she shared: "I did Britain's Got Talent in 2012 when I was 11 years old. "That definitely changed my life because after getting to the finals, I was sponsored by Sony Music and Simon Cowell to go to the Sylvia Young theatre school. From those auditions throughout school, I got into the CBBC world." The renowned theatre school in London has been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous music icons such as Amy Winehouse, Adele, Rita Ora, and Dua Lipa. Notable alumni also include singer and actor Billie Piper, Spice Girl Emma Bunton, All Saints' Mel Blatt and Nicole Appleton, Busted's Matt Willis, McFly's Tom Fletcher, and EastEnders' stars Kara Tointon, Letitia Dean, and Samantha Womack. (Image: WireImage)
