TELLY favorite Brian Conley has suddenly quit EastEnders — and told bosses he wants to leave as soon as possible.
A row with the executives of the BBC soap led to his departure.
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Brian Conley has angered EastEnders bosses by suddenly quitting the show – telling them he wants out as soon as possible. Credit: BBC
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The soap’s writers put Brian in the center of the future by marrying Rocky to show the stature of Kathy Beale, played by Gillian TaylforthCredit: BBC
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Rocky could be killed off in a dramatic Christmas story – which could save the life of another major character Credit: BBC
The writers are now rushing to fit the ending of his character Tom “Rocky” Cotton into the Christmas story.
An insider said: “Everything has come to an end.
“It’s true that the bosses are furious.”
Brian’s icy departure after two-and-a-half years is also thought to have seriously disrupted the show’s long-term plans, sparking outrage.
The writers put him at the center of the soap’s future by marrying Rocky to portray the stature of Kathy Beale, played by Gillian Taylforth.
An EastEnders insider revealed: “Brian was a brilliant signing and was a huge hit with fans.
“But it seems he just doesn’t enjoy being on EastEnders anymore — and has been telling many colleagues and friends that he wants out for a while.
“It all came to light, and at the National TV Awards last week he was quite open with colleagues and friends about his departure.
“He seems delighted to have his way.
“The Beeb wanted him to stay but he’s having none of it.
“It is true that the bosses are furious.
“They were making so many plans around him and his character, and they really thought he was in for the long haul.
“There was a lot of private talk about him spoiling their plans.
“Whatever wounded him, he can’t seem to get out of there fast enough — and now he’s going to have to rewrite his story plans for his quick exit.”
TV sources say plans have already been made for another major character death in this year’s Christmas story – hinted at in a recent flash-forward scene.
But it is now thought that Brian’s character, Tom, will be killed off instead.
As one insider said: “There was always a plan for a big death at Christmas — but it wasn’t supposed to be this to begin with.
“If Brian wants out, it makes sense to change that.
“There’s time for that before they start shooting Christmas stories.”
Brian first appeared as Tom “Rocky” Cotton in May 2021, after announcing his arrival in February.
The actor, 62, previously spoke of his delight at signing up for the show, which he said was his dad’s favourite.
He said at the time: “Being a Londoner and now being part of EastEnders is such an amazing moment for me. I know for sure that my dad is watching from above and saying ‘Well done to your son!’
“It’s truly an honor to be a part of such an iconic show and to work with an incredibly talented team, on and off camera.”
A veteran of stage and screen since 1977, Brian has spent his entire life in show business.
He presented the Royal Variety Performance eight times and starred in West End musicals including Oliver!, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Hairspray.
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Beeb bosses have been planning a big death story for Christmas, but now it’s likely that character will be Brian’s Tom ‘Rocky’ CottonCredit: BBC
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Brian was a contestant on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 2012, but was forced to withdraw for health reasons after nine daysCredit: ITV
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Brian left bosses ‘furious’ after quitting job Credit: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getto
He began working on TV as an opening act for stars including Terry Wogan and Kenny Everett, before his big break in sketch shows and later The Brian Conley Show and An Audience With.
He was a contestant on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 2012, but was forced to withdraw for health reasons after nine days.
The BBC declined to comment on Brian’s departure, adding: “There are many rumors and theories about whose body is under the Christmas tree.”
Beale’s plot is simply unreal
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Fans were left baffled when Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) returned 25 years after ‘dying’Credit: PA
EASTENDERS bosses have come up with bold, sometimes outrageous, plots and twists during the turbulent period to try and win back viewers.
Fans were confused when Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) returned 25 years after “dying”. The explanation referred to witness protection.
She was joined by ex-husband Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), who apparently spent the last few years “living in France”.
Rita Simons, who played Roxy Mitchell, made a cameo appearance, fueling talk of a comeback.
It was thought that she drowned with her sister.
Lisa Fowler, played by Lucy Benjamin, is also back in Walford.
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