EastEnders fans demand Rocky is recast instead of killed after Brian Conley exit – with huge ITV star in the frame
EASTENDERS fans have demanded Rocky Cotton is replaced instead of killed off and actor Brian Conley quit the soap.
Yesterday The Sun revealed how Brian, 62, left EastEnders bosses furious after deciding to leave the show.
With a rushed departure in the works ahead of Brian's upcoming nationwide theatre show fans are fearful the character will die in the upcoming fire at the café owned by Rocky's wife Kathy [Gillian Taylforth].
Some also think Karen Taylor star Lorraine Stanley's exit will be linked to the blaze.
One person wrote on social media: "My theory, Nish [Panesar] starts the café fire, Rocky dies in it, as does Karen.";
And many have begged bosses to simply recast the much-loved character.
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Someone else posted: "Why cant they just recast him, not like its not be done before. Be gutted cause I like Rocky."
Another said: "Recast rocky. We don’t care. Don’t build a new story bc of him."
And former Coronation Street star and presenter Bradley Walsh has been suggested.
One social media user added: "If Rocky needs a recast, then I suggest Bradley Walsh.
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"He and Brian Conley look similar enough - just dye Brad's hair white, stick a goatee on his face and we're good to go!"
Brian's frosty departure after two-and-a-half years is understood to have thrown long-term plotlines in the air.
Writers had placed him at the heart of the soap’s future by marrying Rocky to show stalwart Kathy.
A TV insider said: “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."