Matthew Atkinson is famous for his role as Thomas Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful. Since 2019, he’s been a major part of the CBS soap opera. Whether a villain or a reformed bad boy, Atkinson excels with whatever material he’s given. For the past five years, his character’s main storyline has been his relationship with Hope Logan.
When Thomas and Hope broke up in March this year, he moved to Paris with his son Douglas Forrester. During that time, Atkinson wasn’t seen onscreen, leading to speculation about his status with the show. After a three-month hiatus, the actor returned on June 21st for a surprising new storyline for Thomas.
However, recent scenes have once again sparked concern that the actor and character are leaving.
The Bold and the Beautiful Fans Think Matthew Atkinson Is Leaving
Thomas’ return was a shock in more ways than one. While Hope was ecstatic to see him, she was upset to learn he was engaged to Paris Buckingham. Despite Hope’s efforts to convince Thomas to give their relationship a second chance, he was adamant about marrying Paris.
It appeared the writers were setting up a love triangle in the road to reuniting Thomas and Hope aka Thope. But it looks like that might not be the case. On the July 11th episode, Thomas announces his and Paris’ plans to move back to France after their wedding. Later during an emotional conversation with Hope, the two finally get the closure they need. Hope wishes him the best before saying goodbye.
The scene left viewers confused and many wondered if this was signaling Matthew Atkinson exit from the show. On a Soap Central forum, The Bold and the Beautiful fans expressed their disappointment on the actor’s possible departure.
One commenter believes the actor already has his foot out the door:
It definitely appears as if MA is leaving the show and he was brought back to close out his story with Hope. I don’t see the point in him marrying Paris, leaving, and then coming back again. If he leaves, he’ll probably remain gone until the writers re-cast the role in the future.
One viewer is convince he’s staying:
I don’t think he’s leaving based on the interview with him I think he was in contract negotiations and I assume it’s settled. Paris is being used to show that Thomas can love someone other than Hope. I was pretty convinced the wedding wouldn’t happen but now I don’t know. It does seem like they’re ending Thope though. However, I’ll give it some more time.
Another fan is upset over the prospect of this being Thomas’ exit storyline:
It would be so anti-climatic if they did this!! MA is great as Thomas!! I seriously hope not, what a waste of his talent and our time!!
There’s been no word from Atkinson or the show about his contract status. Viewers will have to wait and see how Thomas’ story plays out and if it’ll lead to his exit. If Atkinson does end up leaving, there will be many upset fans.
