EastEnders in crisis as Brian Conley 'quits over bitter arguments with bosses'
EastEnders has seen some wild plot twists over the years - but now the show has been thrown into absolute chaos as one of its top stars has sensationally quit and demanded his character is written out ASAP.
Reports have suggested that Brian Conley, who has been playing Thomas Cotton since 2021, has thrown an almighty strop and demanded to be written out of the show. It has been suggested that Brian clashed with bosses on the long-running BBC soap and has demanded to be let go from his role as a solution could not be met.
His abrupt exit is said to have caused headaches for the writing team and left many show workers angry. TV fans may even have a near year-long plot point ruined as it is suggested show writers are contemplating killing off Brian’s character in order to accommodate his exit quickly - with the highly publicised Christmas flash forward that first aired in February will reveal that Thomas has been killed off by a group of enraged female Albert Square residents.
A TV source has revealed all this and more to The Sun, claiming: “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.
Brian Conley has reportedly quit EastEnders“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.
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“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.”
A BBC source has downplayed the reports and suggests the highly anticipated Christmas storyline won’t be impacted. They told The Mirror: “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.”
Brian’s character has been involved in high-profile storylines on EastEnders - including being married to fan favourite Kathy Beale, who is played by soap icon Gillian Taylforth. His character was also introduced as the biological father of Sonia Fowler - before it was revealed he was faking his identity and planning to con the trumpet playing beauty.
Brian has seemed more than happy to highlight his work on EastEnders, taking to social media just a few weeks ago to share his delight that his character, Tom ‘Rocky’ Cotton, was on the cover of TV Times alongside Gillian’s Kathy. He wrote online: “Cover of the TV Times! Forget Barbie and Ken, it’s Kathy and Rocky.”
Brian has enjoyed a long and illustrious career in the spotlight since bursting onto the stage at the dawn of the 1980s. He performed in a comedy band that supported The Nolans on tour and went on to build and acting and presenting career.
He has featured in major TV shows including Last of the Summer Wine and The Grimleys, presented the Royal Variety Performance in the ‘90s, and has worked as a stand up comedian.
The Mirror has also contacted Brian's representatives for comment on this story.
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