BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Sep 17 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 17 2025 Who is Jay's granddad? All you need to know about Bert Atkinson as soap reveals Jay's fate Do you remember Jay's granddad? Jay Brown Share By Joel Harley Sep 17 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 17 2025 The whereabouts of Jay Brown was revealed on EastEnders tonight (Wednesday, September 17) as the soap shared how he’s gone to visit his grandfather, who has been taken ill. This marks the beginning of the end for Jay, after being axed from the soap in the wake of his Strictly scandal. “His granddad’s got sick so he’s had to go and see him,” Lauren told Peter as she held down the fort at the car lot. With Jay no longer returning to EastEnders, this will likely play into his eventual exit storyline. Might Jay decide to stay with his grandfather as his health takes a turn? Or does fate have something else planned for Jay? And who is Jay’s granddad, anyway? Jay briefly lived with grandpa Bert (Credit: BBC/YouTube) Who is Jay Brown’s grandfather on EastEnders? In 2006, a man named Bert Atkinson arrived in Walford to visit his friend, Joe Macer. Bert, it emerged, was an old prison buddy of Joe’s, and soon came between Joe and his new wife Pauline. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers After striking up a romantic relationship with Mo Harris, Bert decided to stick around in Walford. He eventually moved in with the Brannings – a family unit which then included Dot, Jim, Bradley and Sonia – before his own kin arrived on the Square. For, in 2007, Jay arrived in Walford with Beryl, who had been caring for him in his dad’s absence. At the end of her tether, Beryl left Jay in his grandfather’s care, where he remained for the next few months. Bert left Walford in 2007 (Credit: BBC/YouTube) What happened to Bert Atkinson on EastEnders? Bert left Walford in July 2007, soon after Jay’s dad, Jase Dyer, arrived. Realising that his services were no longer required, he packed his bags and departed. He did so under a dark cloud, having backed Phil up on his lie that Jase was not Jay’s biological father. Bert briefly returned in 2007, on the anniversary of Jase’s death. As he reconnected with his grandson, Bert asked Jay to lay a Manchester United scarf on Jase’s grave, to mark nine years since his passing. Things have been quiet from Bert since then. As Bert’s presence led to the arrival of Jay Brown in Walford, so it may also lead to his exit. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Sep 17 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 17 2025
