EASTENDERS star Brian Conley has quit after bosses banned the cast from appearing in lucrative pantomime roles next year.
It has sparked fears that other stars could also walk as the festive stages clash with filming of the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary.
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Brian Conley has left EastEnders after being forced to choose between a TV soap and acting in pantomime Credit: New Victoria Theater
Conley, 62, earns a six-figure sum playing Buttons as Cinderella, while other stars are also regulars on the panto circuit.
However, showrunners told them they had to decide between that or Albert Square at the end of 2024.
The soap is already gearing up to mark its milestone birthday in February 2025, with filming planned for two or three months before then — right in the middle of panto season.
A TV insider said: “Often in milestone celebratory years such as a 40th anniversary, bosses need to have all the cast available so they can plot the story appropriately until and beyond December to guarantee that level of drama for the audience.
“There has been a real buzz around the anniversary with plans already underway to bring some explosive stories to the audience.
“Filming for February usually takes place before Christmas, so for those who want to do a five-week run, that would mean the show wouldn’t be able to use them in any of their anniversary plans.”
The Sun revealed earlier this week that Conley was leaving, but no explanation was given.
He made his first appearance as Tom “Rocky” Cotton in May 2021 and spoke of his delight at signing up for the show, which was his dad’s favourite.
Conley’s sudden departure was a surprise and a headache for the producers.
He is one of Britain’s biggest panto stars, with his first role as a 17-year-old in Dick Whittington in 1978.
He has dressed as Buttons for the past 30 years.
Co-stars Shane Richie, who plays Alfie Moon, and Steve McFadden, otherwise known as Phil Mitchell, have also made small fortunes performing for decades in shows including Peter Pan and Robin Hood.
Other EastEnders stars who have done panto include Adam Woodyatt — better known as Ian Beale — as well as Michelle Collins, who is back as Ian’s ex Cindy, and Shona McGarty, who plays Whitney Dean.
A spokeswoman for the show said: “As Brian Conley previously stated earlier this week, EastEnders fully supports Brian’s decision to leave at the end of his contract and we wish him all the best for the future.”
The long-running soap opera was first broadcast on February 19, 1985.
A spokeswoman added: “The EastEnders cast take part in the panto every year, but as we approach our landmark 40th anniversary, all cast members have been asked to get involved for the purpose of the story.
“We have not received any complaints. In fact, everyone supported the plan.”
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EastEnders plans for 2024 are disrupted by Brian’s sudden decision to quit the BBC soap
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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 characterCredit: BBC
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