ENDER THE ROAD EastEnders in crisis after Brian Conley quits in fiery dispute to leave key storyline in tatters – and wants out ASAP
TELLY favourite Brian Conley has abruptly quit EastEnders — and told bosses he wants out as quickly as possible.
A row with the BBC soap’s executives led to his exit.
Writers are now rushing to fit the ending of his character Tom “Rocky” Cotton into the Christmas storyline.
An insider said: “It’s all come to a head.
“The truth is, bosses are furious.”
Brian's frosty departure after two-and-a-half years is also understood to have seriously derailed the show’s long-term plans, sparking fury.
Writers had placed him at the heart of the soap’s future by marrying Rocky to show stalwart Kathy Beale, played by Gillian Taylforth.
An EastEnders insider revealed: “Brian was a brilliant signing and has been a big hit with fans.
“But 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.
“It’s all come to a head, and at the National TV Awards last week he was pretty open with co-stars and friends about his exit.
“He seems delighted he’s got his own way.
“The Beeb wanted him to stay, but he’s having none of it.
“The truth is, bosses are furious.
“They’d made so many plans around him and his character, and they really thought he was in for the long haul.
“There has been a lot said in private about him messing up their plans.
“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.”
TV sources say plans had already been drawn up for another major character death in this year’s Christmas storyline — hinted at in a recent flash-forward scene.
But it is now thought Brian’s character, Tom, will be killed off instead.
As one insider put it: “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.”
Brian first appeared as Tom “Rocky” Cotton in May 2021, having announced his arrival in February.
The actor, 62, had previously spoken of his delight at signing up to 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 incredible moment for me. I know for sure my dad’s looking down from above and saying ‘Good on yer son!’
“It really is an honour to be part of such an iconic show and to be working with an incredibly talented team, on camera and off.”
A veteran of stage and screen since 1977, Brian has spent a lifetime in showbiz.
He presented the Royal Variety Performance eight times and starred in West End musicals including Oliver!, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Hairspray.
A veteran of stage and screen since 1977, Brian has spent a lifetime in showbiz.
He presented the Royal Variety Performance eight times and starred in West End musicals including Oliver!, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Hairspray.
On TV, he began working as a warm up man for stars including Terry Wogan and Kenny Everett, before his own big break on sketch shows and later on The Brian Conley Show and An Audience With.
He was a contestant in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2012, but was forced to pull out on medical grounds after nine days.
The BBC refused to comment on Brian’s departure, adding: “There are many rumours and theories circulating about whose body is under the Christmas tree.”
Beale plot just unreal
EASTENDERS bosses have devised bold, at times outrageous, plotlines and twists during a turbulent period to try to win back viewers.
Fans were puzzled when Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) returned 25 years after “dying”. The explanation involved witness protection.
She was joined by ex-husband Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) who, apparently, had spent the last few years “living in France”.
Rita Simons, who played Roxy Mitchell, made a cameo, sparking talk of a return.
No comments: