Brian Conley quits EastEnders

It has been reported that Brian Conley is leaving the role of Tom ‘Rocky’ Cotton in EastEnders after two and a half years on the show.

According to The Sun, the 62-year-old’s departure came unexpectedly for show bosses, prompting the rewriting of upcoming storylines.

The paper claims that the writers are “rushing to fit the ending of his character into the Christmas storyline”, in which viewers are set to discover the identity of a mystery male corpse and the circumstances behind the death.

A spokesperson for the show said: 

“There are many rumours and theories circulating about whose body is under the Christmas tree but, to not spoil the drama for the audience, we will not be commenting on any speculation.”

The Sun’s report also alleges disharmony between Conley and Beeb bosses.

Conley made his first appearance as Rocky in the BBC soap in May 2021. Dotty Cotton had him take on the identity of Terry Cant, Sonia Fowler’s birth father, as part of a plot to gain access to Dot’s money.

A retcon suggested that Rocky, not Nick, was Dotty’s biological father, but this was later reverted.

After the scam was exposed, Rocky decided to stay in Walford and regain the trust of Sonia and Kathy Beale, who he had developed a romantic relationship with. Eventually, both forgave him, and Rocky married Kathy earlier this year.

Conley is best known for his long running ITV sketch and variety series as well as playing Doug in sitcom The Grimleys.

Update (12th September 6.06pm): The BBC have confirmed Brian Conley’s departure from EastEnders and denied claims that the actor and comedian has been at loggerheads with bosses.

“We can confirm that Brian Conley will be leaving EastEnders. There is absolutely no truth in any claims of a feud with bosses and the show fully support Brian in his decision to leave which was made some time ago. We wish him the best of luck for the future as we continue to work towards his exit storyline which has been in the works for some time.”