Brian Conley, popularly remembered as Rocky Cotton on EastEnders, recently revealed the real reason behind his exit. The 62-year-old quit the show last year after spending two years in Walford after his character got arrested. The former legend appeared on Wednesday’s Good Morning Britain show and discussed his stint on EastEnders. During this conversation, Conley revealed the real reason behind quitting the show. Keep scrolling to find out!
Rocky Cotton Actor Brian Opens Up About The Reason Of His Departure
Thomas ‘Rocky’ Cotton actor, Brian decided to quit after BBC One soap’s producers denied his participation in pantomime roles this year. The star has now confirmed that he felt ‘restricted’ at the time. While appearing on Good Morning Britain, host Susanna Reid asked him, “You haven’t been in EastEnders for six months, because you’re in prison there is a release date at some point.
You could go back…but you’ve said actually it’s probably too much?” This question prompted Brian to open up about the real reason; he said that he left because he was not allowed to do anything else.
Furthermore, he added, Although I’ve now found out you can, at the time, they said you can’t do anything, and I’m a live performer. I love being live, I love getting out there. Musicals, my own show, which I’m currently doing, and so for me, I felt very restricted with those.”
Co-Host Ed Ball then quipped, “You’re not keen on Rocky getting an early release then?” to which Brian admitted: “He might do, or you know, or I can make an escape! You just don’t know about these things, but it is an amazing show.” This definitely sounds like a comeback; it seems that we might get to see Rocky back in his scenes sooner than we could’ve expected.
Conley then quickly moved to discuss his new gig for RadioTimes.com Soap Awards that are scheduled to take place this month. As for his pantomimes, Brian received lucrative six-figure earnings playing Buttons as Cinderella.
Fans will be surprised to know that while Brian has made a good name for himself in the panto circuit and there are other soap stars who are into this. Unfortunately, show bosses have asked all of them to choose between that or Walford by the end of 2024.
Further Read: Find What The Next Week On The BBC1 Soap Holds For You!
EastEnders fans know that the show is gearing up for its 40th anniversary in February 2025 and aims to start filming in November, which is right in the midst of pantomime season. A TV insider told The Sun that for such a huge milestone for the soap, bosses need all members of the cast available so they can storyline in the best way possible and guarantee ‘that level of drama for audiences.’
We are sure excited for the soap to create a real buzz with their explosive storylines during their milestone next year. So stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more updates on EastEnders. Also, tell us which former character you would like to see come back on the show for its 40th anniversary in the comments below!
