EastEnders viewers have bid farewell to two popular characters, but the departure was tinged with disappointment for many fans over a glaring omission. The BBC One soap aired the exit of Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) and Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) on Tuesday, 2 December 2025.
Walford Goodbyes for Freddie and Anna
In a romantic turn of events, the pair decided to leave Albert Square together to travel the world, with Australia as their first destination. The decision was spurred on by a surprise return from Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan). Their final scenes saw loved ones gathering on the Square to wave them off as they headed towards the Tube station.
Freddie Slater first arrived in Walford in 2022 as the son of Little Mo (Kacey Ainsworth). His storyline was immediately dramatic, centred on the belief that Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) was his father, before the harrowing truth emerged that he was the product of a rape by Graham Foster (Alex McSweeney). Diagnosed with ADHD, Freddie also played a heroic role in rescuing his cousin Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) from her stalker and found himself in a love triangle with Anna and his best friend, Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell).
Anna Knight, who was revealed as Cindy Beale's (Michelle Collins) long-lost daughter, arrived in June 2023. Her emotional farewell to her mother was a key part of the exit episode.
Fan Backlash Over Missing Mother
Despite the emotional send-off, a significant number of fans expressed their frustration on social media. The core complaint was the absence of Freddie's mother, Little Mo, who did not appear to say goodbye to her son before he embarked on his journey.
One viewer tweeted, "3 years of Freddie and no Little Mo appearance #EastEnders." Another echoed this sentiment, stating, "Three years of Freddie and they couldn't get Little Mo back for one scene at the end #EastEnders."
Further comments highlighted the perceived missed opportunity. "The fact that Freddie Slater was on #EastEnders for 3 years and never once did we get an appearance from his mother Little Mo. Such a wasted opportunity!" wrote another fan. Some expressed surprise that actress Kacey Ainsworth wouldn't have been open to a one-off return.
The Legacy of Little Mo Slater
Little Mo, one of the original Slater sisters and sibling to Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), was a central character between her first appearance in 2000 and her exit in 2006. Her departure storyline was directly linked to Freddie, as her then-husband Billy Mitchell confessed he could not raise the boy after learning he wasn't the biological father.
Actress Kacey Ainsworth chose to leave the role to pursue other acting projects. Since her EastEnders departure, she has appeared in numerous TV series including The Bill, A Touch of Frost, Casualty, and Grantchester.
While Freddie and Anna's adventure begins off-screen, the debate among loyal EastEnders audiences continues, questioning why a pivotal family figure was absent from such a significant character moment.
