When Matthew Atkinson stepped into the role of Thomas Forrester in 2019, following the departure of Pierson Fodé, he instantly made an impact on The Bold and the Beautiful. Thomas, the only son of Ridge Forrester (Thorsten Kaye) and Taylor Hayes (then played by Hunter Tylo, later Rebecca Budig), has always been a complicated and polarizing character. Atkinson leaned into that complexity, giving Thomas a layered performance that resonated with fans who both loved and loathed him.

After five years in the role, Atkinson stunned viewers with his exit in March 2024. The character of Thomas left Los Angeles and headed to Paris with his young son, Douglas, following Hope Logan’s (Annika Noelle) rejection of his marriage proposals. That storyline marked a bittersweet chapter, as Thomas had once again failed to secure Hope’s heart, despite his growth and attempts to move forward.

Fans didn’t have to wait long for Atkinson’s return. Just a few months later, in June 2024, Thomas came back to B&B with shocking news that rocked both the Forrester family and viewers at home: he was suddenly engaged to Paris Buckingham (Diamond White). The surprise engagement created ripples of speculation. Was Thomas truly in love with Paris, or was this another one of his impulsive moves to prove that he had moved on from Hope? The engagement also set up new rivalries and tensions, particularly within the Forrester clan, who have always been protective of Thomas and wary of his choices.

However, the return was brief. Atkinson once again departed the canvas in July 2024, leaving many fans frustrated and concerned about the future of Thomas. Soap viewers are used to characters coming and going, but the back-to-back exits left audiences feeling unsteady. For a character as pivotal as Thomas—whose storylines often drive major drama on the show—his absence left a noticeable void.

In an interview with Soap Opera Digest that same month, Atkinson opened up about the fan reaction and his feelings toward leaving the role, even temporarily. “I just never expected the response that I’ve gotten and we’ve gotten from the fans, especially [with] Thomas leaving,” he admitted. “I can’t speak for all the fans, but there’s a wealth of people that are either really, really upset that Thomas is gone for a period or really sad. [They] reach out and they’re like, ‘Hey, when are you back? When are you back? When are you back?’ That just speaks to their care for this character.”

The actor went on to say that the outpouring of support meant more to him than he could express. “And that means a lot to me because I would have fun doing this in a vacuum, but it’s really great to have a response that shows that these people care about what you’re doing,” Atkinson continued. “And so it’s just been so much love from so many fans that comes out in so many different ways.”

Atkinson’s comments highlight not only the power of soap storytelling but also the deep bond fans feel with the characters. Thomas Forrester, in particular, has always been divisive. His darker storylines—including his obsession with Hope, manipulations, and questionable choices—spark debate. Yet, under Atkinson’s portrayal, viewers also see a man who longs for redemption, stability, and love. That duality is what makes Thomas such a compelling character and what keeps audiences invested in his journey.

The actor’s back-and-forth presence on the show has also sparked speculation among B&B fans about his long-term future. Was the June return meant only as a short arc? Could Atkinson’s July exit be paving the way for a bigger, more dramatic comeback later? Soap operas thrive on mystery, and the unanswered questions surrounding Thomas’s future ensure that fans will continue to tune in.

For now, Atkinson’s words serve as reassurance to viewers who fear Thomas might vanish entirely. His gratitude for the fanbase makes it clear he values the role and the community that has formed around it. While the future of Thomas Forrester may be uncertain on screen, one thing is undeniable: Matthew Atkinson has cemented himself as a fan favorite, and his version of Thomas will be remembered as one of the most significant in the character’s long and complicated history.