EastEnders fans, the drama isn’t all on screen. Ross Boatman, who plays Harvey Monroe, has finally spoken out. He talked about his sudden two-month absence. One that kept him away from the Square. Keep scrolling to know more.
EastEnders’ Ross’s Secret Battle
Harvey’s storyline was at a boiling point. That’s when Ross suddenly disappeared. His character was exposed for having an affair with Kathy Beale. It shattered Jean Slater’s trust. It broke their whole relationship apart. Viewers were left just wondering what would happen next.
The 61-year-old had knee surgery, keeping him off set for two months. The timing was tough. It cut straight through Harvey’s biggest storyline yet. Ross explained: “I haven’t had a chance to shoot loads with Gilly yet because I’ve just been off for two months. And now she’s on holiday, so I’m hoping we’ve got some stuff to shoot coming up soon, which will come out towards the end of the year.”
He admitted that being away from the Slater family left him emotional. For Ross, slipping out of that family unit felt like a real loss. He missed the natural chemistry they brought to every scene. It was a genuine sadness for him.
Harvey’s Journey in Walford
Since first arriving in 2021, Harvey Monroe has been tangled up in some of the Square’s worst storylines. His daughter Dana was always his main focus. However, it was his son Aaron who dragged the family into darkness. Harvey’s world was shaken. Harvey learned Aaron was in a far-right gang, a twist that shocked everyone. His fling with Jean looked like a fresh start, but it didn’t last.
But things quickly spiralled. Harvey tried to stand by Jean but failed. He couldn’t grasp her bipolar disorder. Stacey Slater pleaded with him. She begged him to take her mother seriously. But Harvey brushed it off. He called her actions “just quirks.” That mistake cost him dearly.
When Jean vanished and ran off to Southend, Harvey was powerless. Stacey and Martin Fowler finally tracked her down. They saved her life as she walked into the sea. It has left Harvey battered and bruised. He is a broken father and a broken partner. One thing is certain: Harvey’s story is far from over. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, follow Soap Opera Daily.