Max Bowden believes Brian Conley's 'EastEnders' departure will be a "huge loss" to the soap.
Max Bowden believes Brian Conley's EastEnders departure will be a 'huge loss' to the soap
The 28-year-old star - who plays Ben Mitchell in the BBC show - is "very sad" that Brian, who portrays Tom 'Rocky' Cotton, is leaving the programme, but he expects the star to "smash whatever he does next".
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I love Brian Conley, I am very, very sad. With what we do you see it happen all the time, people come and people go and it's either down to personal circumstance or people wanting to try other things.
"Brian is an incredibly successful man, and he will go on to smash whatever he does next. It's gonna be a huge loss to us, I'm sure he's doing the right thing by him and I wish him all the best."
Brian recently confirmed he is leaving 'EastEnders', and said he will depart with the BBC's "blessings".
The 62-year-old actor and comedian has played Rocky 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."
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