Brian Conley has confirmed he is leaving 'EastEnders', and he will depart with the BBC's "blessings".
Brian Conley confirms he has quit EastEnders
The 62-year-old actor and comedian has played Tom "Rocky" Cotton on the BBC One soap since May 2021, and while he admitted it was a "tough decision" to depart Walford, he made the choice for "many reasons".
Speaking on YouTube, he said: "Hello lovely people it's me Brian Conley, aka Rocky, sending out this message especially to all the 'EastEnders' fans.
"Now you may have heard reports that I am leaving 'EastEnders', and it was a tough decision but it is true - I am going, and I made the decision for many reasons.
"It is tough because there’s such a wonderful crowd in front of the camera and behind, and I loved my three years there.
"I have gone with their blessings at the Beeb and I am excited for the future and where it’s going to go."
But Brian is "excited" for fans to see Rocky's Albert Square exit, insisting it is "good".
He added: "I’m also excited about Rocky’s exit as I know it’s good! Sending much love, all 'EastEnders' fans. Enough said."
Brian's comments come after it was recently reported he had quit the soap.
An 'EastEnders' insider told The Sun newspaper: "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' anymore - 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."
Earlier this year, 'EastEnders' fans were shown a flash-forward scene that featured a male character's dead body in the Queen Vic over the upcoming festive period.
It's now thought Rocky could be drafted in as the dead body in place of another character.
An insider said: "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."
But an 'EastEnders' spokesperson said: "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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