Brian Conley insisted he wanted to stay on EastEnders just days ago – before suddenly quitting
BRIAN Conley insisted he wanted to stay on EastEnders just days ago – before suddenly quitting.
On Monday, The Sun exclusively revealed that Brian, 62, had dramatically quit his role as Rocky Cotton in the BBC soap.
Yesterday, Brian confirmed his departure from EastEnders in an Instagram video.
The news has left many soap fans shocked, especially as Brian had said he wanted to stay in Walford for the foreseeable just days ago.
Speaking to The Sun Online at the National Television Awards on Tuesday, September 5, he said: “I would like to stay [on EastEnders] for as long as I can.
“I haven’t really got to work on the cockney accent and it really has come at the right point in my life – so I feel very happy there and I just love behind-the-camera and in front, I love everyone there.
“I’m very happy where I am at the moment and doing four shows a week is quite enough.”
Brian added: “I got married to Kathy, this global icon, Kathy Beale and I tied the knot in the summer and that was a wonderful honour.”
His words were at odds with his video on social media confirming his exit, where he said: “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.
“I’m also excited about Rocky’s exit as I know it’s good! Sending much love, all EastEnders fans, enough said.”
EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.