OFFER HE GOES
EastEnders’ Brian Conley reveals new job after quitting soap in row – leaving Christmas storyline in tatters
EASTENDERS star Brian Conley has revealed he has a huge new tour lined up after quitting the soap.
The Sun revealed his shock exit last night following a fiery dispute with BBC bosses who have been forced to write him out before Christmas.
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The 62-year-old actor has now announced a surprise career move as he embarks on a nationwide tour ironically titled Brian Conley: The 3rd Farewell Tour…To Date.
It has been billed as "an evening of comedy, music and entertainment" and will kick off in Peterborough's The Cresset theatre on September 24.
It comes after 62-year-old Brian told soap bosses he wants out of Albert Square as quickly as possible after playing schemer Rocky Cotton, who lied about being Sonia Fowler's dad, for two-and-a-half years.
And Brian's 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 Rocky 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."
TV sources say plans had already been drawn up for another major character death in this year's Christmas storyline hinted at in a recent flash-forward scene.
But it is now thought Brian's character Tom will be killed off instead.
Brian first appeared as Tom "Rocky" Cotton in May 2021, having announced his arrival in February.
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