TV Season & Spoilers recently reported the explosive news of actor Brian Conley exiting EastEnders sooner than later. As the news began spreading like wildfire, several portals reported that the star and the makers are ending their alliance on a bad note. Reports even claimed that Brian’s abrupt and unrevealing decision has left the production in a lurch as they had many storylines centered around him in the pipeline.
However, Brian Conley ultimately took to his social media accounts to set the record straight. The EastEnders star stated that his decision to leave the soap was neither abrupt nor has it left the makers high and dry. In fact, he clarified that the EastEnders bosses are supportive of his decision and the process of writing him out of the story has been underway for quite some time. After his video surfaced on the internet, some sources close to the BBC One production spoke up in support of Brain’s claims.
Now, a new round of media reports are suggesting the actual reason why Brian requested a exit from EastEnders. Apparently, the BBC One soap banned it’s actor from appearing on any pantomime roles next year. And as we know, Brian Conley happens to be one of Britain’s biggest Panto stars! He had been playing buttons for Cinderella for over 30 years now! Allegedly, Brian rakes in a 6 figure earning for the same every year! Thus, it seems when the production asked the actors to choose between EastEnders and Pantomime, Brian chose the latter!
The seasoned actor joined the cats of the long-running BBC One soap as Rocky Cotton in May 2021. Brian Conley became an instant hit with the viewers as Rocky, especially, for his chemistry with Kathy Beale. However, now that the soap is about to make it’s 40th anniversary in 2025. It needs all its cast available for the milestone episodes shoot. Which incidentally will be bang in the middle of panto season. Thus, it is quite possible that Brian wanted to remain committed to playing Buttons. A part he has played for far longer than he has Rocky.
It truly breaks our heart to see Rocky go out of EastEnders. The character and the storylines connected to him had so much potential! However, we will continue to hope that once the milestone, as well as, the Pantomime season has passed, the actor and the production might bring the character back. Will you miss Rocky too? Tell us in the comments. Meanwhile, stay tuned to TV Season & Spoilers for more EastEnders updates on Rocky’s fate.