BOBBY Brazier has ‘become a Hare Krishna’ and is ‘seeking solace’ in daily spiritual rituals following the death of his mum, Jade Goody.
Strictly finalist Bobby, 22, has become a regular at the Hare Krishna temple in Soho, where he takes part in communal prayers, chants mantras and helps prepare meals.
Bobby Brazier has “become a Hare Krishna” and is “seeking solace” in daily spiritual rituals following the death of his mum, Jade Goody[/caption]
Last year, Bobby joined in cha-cha-chanting at a Hare Krishna gathering on Oxford Street[/caption]
Friends say Bobby’s interest in spirituality has grown over the past year and is helping him process the lasting impact of losing his mum to cervical cancer in 2009, when he was just five.
A volunteer at the temple told MailOnline: “He’s here every Saturday without fail. He joins our kitchen session, learns the prayers – this isn’t a gimmick.”
A family friend added: “Bobby had a difficult life. His mum dying left a mark on him, as it would. Hare Krishna is somewhere he seeks solace. It might seem strange, but for him, it works.”
Last year, The Sun published images of Bobby joining in cha-cha-chanting at a Hare Krishna gathering on Oxford Street, where he was even seen handing out leaflets.
Bobby – whose dad is TV star Jeff Brazier – said of the movement: “I’ve had the blessing of meeting some incredible devotees who have really taken me under the wing and been really merciful upon me.
“And they are just the most beautiful, happy, content, smart, intelligent people.”
After Jade’s death, Bobby and younger brother Freddy, 20, were raised away from the spotlight.
At 16, Bobby was scouted by a modelling agent during a trip to a local coffee shop and quickly signed to a major agency.
He later walked the runway for Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger and joined EastEnders as Freddie Slater.
In 2023, he won the National Television Award for Rising Star and finished as a finalist on Strictly the same year.
And he appeared in the Paramount+ drama Curfew last year.
Bobby is also set to inherit £250,000 from Jade’s estate when he turns 25.
A spokesperson for the trust said: “Everything was agreed before Jade passed away – there have been payments for agreed education or healthcare, but no other withdrawals until the boys turn 25.
“Even years after she passed, Jade has been able to provide for them, which is what she always wanted.”
Last week, The Sun on Sunday revealed Bobby would be leaving EastEnders after four years.
The actor and model has received a wave of work offers since being a runner up on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023.
Bobby, Freddie Slater in the BBC soap, will exit Albert Square later this year.
An EastEnders spokeswoman said: “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.
“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.”
Bobby and his brother Freddy are pictured with the late Jade Goody in 2006[/caption]
Bobby’s dad is TV star Jeff Brazier[/caption]
The Sun on Sunday revealed he’s leaving EastEnders after four years[/caption]
