Former EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier has offered fans a revealing look into his profound spiritual transformation after stepping away from the spotlight to embrace a new life dedicated to the Hare Krishna movement in India.
From BBC Soap to Spiritual Seeking
The 22-year-old television personality, who left the popular BBC soap earlier this year, has spent his summer fully immersing himself in the practices and philosophy of the Hare Krishna religion. This spiritual redirection came following a period of strained family relationships with his father Jeff Brazier and younger brother Freddie.
While Bobby appears to have reconciled with his father, his Instagram posts demonstrate the significant positive impact his pilgrimage has created. He recently shared an uplifting video showing himself participating in traditional dancing alongside hundreds of fellow worshippers and respected monks Indradyumna Swami and Sacinandana Swami.
Reflecting on his ongoing spiritual exploration, Bobby described his experience as 'amazing' while clarifying that he hasn't completely abandoned his acting career. The young star expressed hopes of eventually returning to television work, acknowledging his temporary departure from showbusiness.
Family Dynamics and Spiritual Awakening
The Daily Mail previously revealed that Bobby turned to the Hare Krishna organisation - which follows a branch of Hindu faith - during a difficult period in his family relationships. Sources indicated that tensions between Bobby, his brother Freddie, and their father Jeff became so significant that Bobby moved out of the family home in Essex into his own Soho apartment, conveniently located near a Hare Krishna temple.
A source close to the family explained: 'Bobby's always had a spiritual side, but this is intentional. It's clear he's trying to leave all the fighting and noise behind.'
The source contrasted Bobby's approach with his brother's more public struggles: 'Freddy's rebellion is loud – drugs, public slanging matches and legal battles about his nana – while Bobby's is quiet. But actually it's just as defiant. He's turning his back on the life his Dad created for them in Essex and following his own path.'
Embracing a New Lifestyle
While residing in Soho, Bobby deeply engaged with the movement at the Hare Krishna headquarters. He committed himself to daily spiritual rituals, including chanting mantras, preparing communal meals, and embracing the religion's peaceful philosophy.
Those familiar with his practice insist this represents no passing phase. One temple volunteer observed: 'He's here every Saturday without fail, he joins our kitchen session, learns the prayers – this isn't a gimmick.'
Last August, photographs captured Bobby chatting with fellow devotees at the temple's vegan restaurant and offering prayers to bless his food before eating. Throughout the past year, he has been regularly spotted dancing and chanting with other Hare Krishna followers in London, with social media videos showing the actor laughing and dancing enthusiastically.
Bobby shared his emotional connection to the practice in an Instagram caption: 'Watching these videos back and still after all I've experienced so far in the world, I'm thinking surely it doesn't get any better than this… surely?!'
He continued: 'This is the pleasure that the soul is running after. To chant and dance in the association of devotees who have such a deep, loving devotion toward the Lord is an experience that the material world just doesn't offer.'
Finding Happiness After Personal Tragedy
Bobby's spiritual search follows a childhood marked by profound loss. His mother, reality television star Jade Goody, died from cervical cancer in 2009 when Bobby was just five years old and his brother Freddie was four. Their father Jeff sought to maintain privacy for the boys as they grew up in Essex and later Brighton, where they attended private school.
Bobby previously reflected on his challenging school years: 'At private school, everyone comes from the same generationally rich families, but my parents didn't. I've got insight from both ends of the spectrum, so I felt like I was a bit of a black sheep.'
His rising fame culminated in 2023 when he competed in the twenty-first series of Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional partner Dianne Buswell. Bobby earned widespread praise and viewer support, particularly for his emotionally charged routine dedicated to his late mother. He eventually finished as runner-up to Ellie Leach.
Interestingly, sources close to Bobby at the time suggested that his devotion to Hare Krishna contributed significantly to his Strictly success, helping him remain calm, grounded, and focused throughout the competition.
Despite his spiritual commitments, Bobby reassured fans about his professional future with characteristic humour, writing: 'Don't worry back on the telly soon… if anyone gives me a job.'
His father Jeff responded to Bobby's spiritual dancing with typical paternal teasing, commenting: 'I used to dance like that to garage.'
As Bobby prepares for his extended stay in India, those close to him describe a young man genuinely transformed by his spiritual discoveries and committed to following a path that brings him authentic happiness and peace.
