Why is Brian Conley leaving EastEnders?
EASTENDERS fan have been left in shock following the news that Brian Conley was leaving the soap.
The Sun exclusively revealed how the actor had quit the BBC One series leaving fans wondering what happened.
Why has Brian Conley quit EastEnders?
On September 11, 2023, The Sun revealed Brian Conley's shock EastEnders exit.
It follows a fiery dispute with BBC bosses who have been forced to write him out before Christmas.
It comes after actor Brian told soap bosses he wants out of Albert Square as quickly as possible.
His bitter departure is also understood to have torpedoed the soap's long-term plans.
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Writers had placed him at the heart of the soap's future by marrying his character to show stalwart Kathy Beale, played by Gillian Taylforth.
An insider revealed: "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.
"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.
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"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.
"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."
Who does Brian Conley play in EastEnders?
Brian first appeared as Tom "Rocky" Cotton in May 2021.
The cheeky chappie first showed up in the Square claiming to be Sonia Fowler's estranged father Terry Cant.
However, he later dropped the bombshell that he pretended to be her dad as part of a scheme that he and his niece Dotty Cotton came up with to con her out of Dot Cotton's inheritance money.
Despite his evil plot, he's since managed to become one of Walford's most popular residents, and is now married to Kathy Beale.
What else has Brian Conley appeared in?
Prior to joining EastEnders the actor was known for The Brian Conley Show.
The TV star was also known for his sitcom Time After Time, Jed Mercurio's comedy-drama The Grimleys, and The National Lottery: We've Got Your Number.
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After it was revealed Brian had quit EastEnders, he revealed he has a huge live show lined up, titled Brian Conley: The 3rd Farewell Tour…To Date.
It has been billed as "an evening of comedy, music and entertainment".