Brian Conley avoids speculation over soap exit as he pays tribute to co-star
Brian Conley has avoided speculation over his EastEnders exit as he paid tribute to his on-screen wife.
The 62-year-old comedian arrived in Albert Square three years ago as Rocky Cotton, and it was recently announced he was leaving the soap, devastating fans. His character was married to Kathy, and he honoured Gillian Taylforth, who plays his on-screen wife, as he spoke about his departure from the BBC soap opera. Talking to OK!, Brian joked he couldn’t believe how long Kathy had put up with Rocky, real name Tom Cotton, over the years.
“I’d dump him, I mean, how much can Kathy put up with? The poor woman has really gone through it with him. But love has kept them together, Rocky genuinely absolutely loves her, which is wonderful,” he quipped.
READ MORE:BBC EastEnders' Brian Conley teases more about Rocky Cotton's final storyline amid soap exit
Rocky burned down the cafe, but was stunned when wife Kathy was arrested for the crime (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)Discussing his decision to leave EastEnders, Brian admitted it was a “tough” choice to make, but refused to confirm rumours he was leaving the show after a row with BBC bosses. “It was a tough decision but it is true that I am going, I made it for many reasons. It was tough as they are such a wonderful crowd in front and behind the cameras and I have loved my three years there,” he explained.
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It was reported Brian was written off the show following a disagreement with executives, after The Sun claimed he had been unhappy on the soap for a while, However, show bosses dismissed the speculation, and said there was “absolutely no truth” to the accusations. “The show fully supports Brian in his decision to leave, which was made some time ago. We wish him the best of luck for the future as we continue to work towards his exit storyline which has been in the works for some time,” a spokesperson added.
He admitted he will miss on-screen wife Gillian (Getty Images)
The comedian will be appearing in panto over the festive season (Getty Images)Brian revealed he felt “lucky” to have landed the role of Rocky on the soap, as he was cast during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2021. “Everyone was sitting at home and I was busy filming,” he joked. He also confessed he “had an advantage” over the rest of his co-stars as he adapted quickly to the socially distanced filming on set, whereas his castmates struggled. “I didn’t know any different,” he added.
It’s not yet known when he will leave Walford, but there is mounting speculation that he will be killed in the upcoming Christmas episode. In a flash-forward scene, Denise, Kathy, Linda, Sharon, Stacey and Suki are seen gathered around the body of a man under a Christmas tree at The Queen Vic pub, and fans are convinced it will be Rocky who has met a gruesome end.
However, a BBC spokesperson refused to comment on the reports about the crucial Christmas storyline, and added: “There are many rumours and theories circulating about whose body is under the Christmas tree but, to not spoil the drama for the audience, we will not be commenting on any speculation.”
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