EastEnders fans will be introduced to a new Bobby Beale in a few weeks' time as the role has been recast.

Show bosses were forced to bring in a new actor to play Bobby as young cast member Alex Francis bowed out from the part to concentrate more on school commitments.

Rory Stroud has already begun filming as the new Bobby and will be seen on screen from the beginning of March.

The final scenes featuring Francis as Bobby aired last autumn.

EastEnders' executive producer Lorraine Newman told Digital Spy today (January 31): "Alex has been a highly valued member of the EastEnders cast and we wish him the best for the future."

Francis was the second actor to play Bobby and joined the BBC soap in 2007.