Brian Conley has quit EastEnders after more than two years.
The actor, 62, made his debut as Tom ‘Rocky’ Cotton in May 2021 but has now demanded to be written out of the soap following a fiery clash with BBC bosses, claims The Sun.
Writers are now reportedly scrambling to fit his rapid exit in with the upcoming Christmas storylines, meaning Rocky could be another character who meets his death during the festive period.
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An insider told the publication: “It’s all come to a head. The truth is, bosses are furious.
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes)
“It looks as though he’s just not enjoying being on EastEnders any more – and has been telling a lot of colleagues and telly friends he wanted out for a while.
Brian’s imminent departure is thought to have derailed the show’s long-term plans, with bosses believing he was “in it for the long haul”.
The source added: “The Beeb wanted him to stay, but he’s having none of it. They’d made so many plans around him and his character, and they really thought he was in for the long haul.
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
“Whatever has wound him up, it feels like he can’t get out of there quick enough — and now they’re going to have to rewrite their storyline plans for his rapid exit.”
Rocky has become a firm favourite amongst fans and recently married long-running character Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth).
But the soap stalwart could be in for a devastating Christmas as sources claimed Rocky could be killed off alongside another character, which was hinted during the flash-forward scene in February.
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
An insider claimed: “There was always a plan for a major death at Christmas – but it wasn’t initially going to be this.
“If Brian wants out, it makes sense to switch it around. There’s time to do that before they start filming the Christmas storylines.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
