According to reports, Brian Conley left EastEnders after learning he couldn’t perform in a pantomime the following year. However, the show has firmly refuted the allegations.
Even the actor has denied claims of conflict on his own behalf.
You may have heard rumors that I am quitting EastEnders, and although it was a difficult choice, he said, “I am leaving, and I took the decision for a number of reasons.”
It is difficult because there is such a beautiful cast both in front of and behind the camera. I enjoyed my three years there, but it is difficult. Regarding the allegations’ veracity, some claim that while I disagreed with TV executives and the crews, I didn’t disagree with anyone else or go on a rampage.
Despite his rejection of any conflicts, some stories indicate that he was forced to choose between appearing in EastEnders and the pantomime circuit in 2024 as Buttons in Cinderella, where he reputedly gets a six-figure salary.
According to The Sun, this is because the BBC soap is already getting set to celebrate its historic milestone in February 2025.
As we approach our landmark 40th anniversary, all of the cast members have been requested to participate for plot purposes. We’ve got no objections; in fact, everyone has been supportive of the proposal, according to an official spokeswoman for EastEnders.
EastEnders said in a statement, “As Brian Conley said earlier in the week, we fully support Brian’s decision to leave at the end of his contract, and we wish him the very best for the future.”
This was also corroborated by author Sharon Marshall, who said that Brian was well-liked by the BBC soap opera cast and crew and that his exit had already been planned.
He informed us months ago, she said. We also adore him. We were only intended to have him for three months, but since we didn’t want to let him go, we ended up keeping him [two] years.
Many have speculated about Rocky’s possible exit from Albert Square, with some speculating that it may be connected to the massive fire that is anticipated to destroy the café this autumn or the significant Christmas murder hinted at in the flashforward episode from February.
Given that Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), who runs the café, is a key player in the Christmas murder and is one of The Six, Rocky is connected to both of these plots through their friendship.
Could Rocky suffer a sad death as a result of his departure?
Every Monday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on BBC One and at 6 a.m. on BBC iPlayer, EastEnders airs.
