Is Brian Conley Leaving Eastenders? Why did Brian Conley Quits Eastenders?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Sep 12, 2023
Who is Brian Conley?
Brian Conley is a versatile English entertainer known for his extensive career in acting, comedy, singing, and television presenting. With a television career that has spanned over four decades, he has become a prominent and highly regarded figure in the entertainment industry. As an actor, Brian Conley has made his mark in both television and the West End. He has starred in multiple award-winning television sitcoms, including "Time After Time" and "The Grimleys," showcasing his exceptional comedic talent.
Additionally, Conley has taken on lead roles in several highly successful West End musicals, such as "Me and My Girl," "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," "Hairspray," "Oliver!," "The Music Man," "Barnum," and "Jolson." Notably, his performance in "Jolson" earned him a nomination for a prestigious Laurence Olivier Award, highlighting his prowess as a stage actor.
Beyond acting, Brian Conley has also ventured into the realm of television presenting. He hosted "The Brian Conley Show," demonstrating his ability to engage and entertain audiences. His contributions to the entertainment industry extend to presenting the Royal Variety Performance on eight separate occasions, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer and his ability to connect with diverse audiences.
In addition to his acting and presenting career, Conley has pursued music as a musician. He has released five albums, including titles like "Brian Conley Sings," "Let the Good Times Roll," and "Stage to Stage," where he showcases his singing talents and adds another dimension to his artistic repertoire. Throughout his illustrious career, Brian Conley has received numerous awards and accolades, underscoring his significant contributions to comedy and entertainment. These accolades include The National Television Award for Most Popular Comedy Performer, the Best Live Performer award from the Manchester Evening News, and recognition from the British Comedy Awards.
These awards serve as a testament to his exceptional talent and lasting impact on the world of entertainment. In recent years, Brian Conley has continued to make his presence felt in the entertainment industry by taking on the role of Tom "Rocky" Cotton in the popular BBC soap opera "EastEnders" since 2021. This move has further solidified his position as a versatile and enduring figure in British entertainment, and his contributions to television drama continue to be appreciated by audiences.
Name
Brian Conley
Born
August 7, 1961 (age 62)
Birth Place
Paddington, London, England
Nationality
English
Occupations
Actor, Comedian, Singer
Years Active
1977-present
Spouse
Anne-Marie Conley (married in 1996)
Children
2
Specifications
Details
Is Brian Conley Leaving Eastenders?
Brian Conley, known for his role as Tom "Rocky" Cotton in the popular BBC show EastEnders, has reportedly decided to quit the series. This decision has come following a reported clash with BBC executives, leading to significant implications for the show's upcoming Christmas storyline.
Brian Conley has expressed his desire to be written out of EastEnders as quickly as possible, which has left BBC executives upset with him, as per reports from The Sun. According to an insider, "It's all come to a head," and it appears that Conley has been wanting to leave the show for some time, as he is no longer enjoying his time on EastEnders.
Conley's departure from the show has created challenges for the show's long-term plans, with creators now scrambling to rewrite storylines to accommodate his rapid exit in time for the crucial Christmas storyline. This unexpected development has disrupted the show's plans, and adjustments are being made to address the absence of Conley's character, who is currently married to Kathy on the show.
In a flash-forward scene on EastEnders, a group of women from Walford, including Denise, Kathy, Linda, Sharon, Stacey, and Suki, is shown gathered around the body of a man under a Christmas tree at the Old Vic. Speculation is now arising that the deceased man in this scene will be revealed to be Brian Conley's character, adding further intrigue and drama to the show's upcoming storyline.
As of now, representatives for Brian Conley and the BBC have not provided official comments regarding his departure from EastEnders. However, the reported tensions and Conley's decision to leave have certainly created a buzz among fans and within the entertainment industry.
Why did Brian Conley Quits Eastenders?
The specific reasons behind Brian Conley's decision to quit EastEnders have not been officially confirmed by the actor or the BBC. However, several reports suggest that a clash or dispute with BBC executives may have played a role in his departure. The details of this dispute remain undisclosed, and neither Conley nor the BBC has provided an official statement regarding the nature of the disagreement.
Brian Conley had joined the cast of EastEnders in February 2021, expressing his excitement about being part of the iconic show, especially given that it was his father's favorite program. He described it as an incredible moment and mentioned his eagerness to be a part of the talented team on and off camera.
EastEnders' executive producers praised Conley's charm, wit, and charisma, indicating that they had exciting storylines planned for his character, Rocky. While Conley's departure has disrupted the show's plans, the BBC has chosen not to comment on the speculation surrounding the identity of the body under the Christmas tree in the show's upcoming storyline, presumably to avoid spoiling the drama for the audience.
Brian Conley has had a diverse career in entertainment, including West End musicals, TV sitcoms, hosting The Brian Conley Show, and various appearances on shows like Strictly Come Dancing and I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. His departure from EastEnders is a significant development in his career, and while the exact reasons remain private, it has generated considerable interest and discussion among fans and the media.
Brian Conley Career
Brian Conley has had a multifaceted and dynamic career in the entertainment industry, spanning various domains, including comedy, acting, presenting, and even stage performances. Here is an overview of Brian Conley's career:
Early Ventures
Brian Conley's initial foray into show business began with him fronting a comedy showband called 'Tomfoolery.' This group performed in pubs and clubs across England and Wales, occasionally sharing the stage with notable artists like Johnny Mathis and the Nolans. However, internal disputes led to the breakup of the band when Conley was just 19 years old.
Entry into Television
His work with 'Tomfoolery' caught the attention of talent agent Bob Voice, leading to Conley's transition to television. He started his television career as a warm-up man for well-known television personalities such as the Krankies, Kenny Everett, and Terry Wogan.
Television Comedy and Variety Shows
Brian Conley's career received a significant boost thanks to TVS casting director Bill Hatterley, who secured him appearances on comedy shows like "Make Me Laugh" (1982), "The Laughter Show" (1984-1985), "Live from Her Majesty's" (1984-87), and "Five Alive" (1987). In 1989, he starred in his own comedy sketch show titled "Brian Conley: This Way Up."
West End Debut
Conley made his West End debut playing the lead role of Bill Snibson in the production of "Me and My Girl" after two series of his comedy sketch show.
Variety Format
In 1992, London Weekend Television (LWT) offered Conley another opportunity with "The Brian Conley Show." This new show adopted a variety format rather than being purely sketches, which proved to be highly popular. It became Britain's most-watched light entertainment program.
Sitcom Success
His next significant success was the sitcom "Time After Time," where he played the lead role. The show was named Best ITV Sitcom at the 1994 British Comedy Awards.
Stage Performances
Brian Conley also had a thriving stage career, with notable roles such as playing the titular role in "Jolson" at the Victoria Palace Theatre from 1995 to 1997, which won the Olivier Award for Best Musical in 1996. He took on diverse stage roles, including Buttons in "Cinderella" and Caractacus Potts in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."
Television Hosting
Conley hosted several television shows, including "The Brian Conley Show" with a variety format, chat and music show "The Brian Conley Show" (2000), and shows like "We've Got Your Number" and "Let Me Entertain You" on the BBC.
Recent Career Highlights
In 2008, he presented the Midweek Lottery show on BBC One. He also made guest appearances on various shows, including "The New Paul O'Grady Show" and "Last of the Summer Wine."
Stage Success
Conley continued to excel in the theater, playing Fagin in Cameron Mackintosh's "Oliver!" and Edna Turnblad in the Olivier Award-winning "Hairspray." He also toured with his live show, "The Best of Brian Conley."
Television Reality Shows
He participated in reality shows like "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" in 2012, and in 2017, he joined the fifteenth series of "Strictly Come Dancing" as a contestant.
EastEnders
In February 2021, it was announced that Brian Conley would be joining the BBC soap opera "EastEnders" as series regular Terry Cant, the long-lost father of established character Sonia Fowler.
Throughout his career, Brian Conley has showcased his versatility and talent across various entertainment mediums, earning recognition and acclaim for his contributions to comedy, television, and the stage.
Brian Conley Early Life
Brian Conley's early life was marked by his birth on August 7, 1961, in Paddington, London. He hailed from a family with strong connections to the world of entertainment and broadcasting. His father, Colin Conley, initially worked as a taxi driver but later became involved in the BBC's production department as a prop man. Colin's role included working with BBC outside broadcast units, adding a significant touch of show business to the Conley family.
Brian Conley's family ties to the BBC extended further, as his brother, Alan Conley, pursued a career as a BBC floor manager. Alan notably worked as a floor manager for popular shows like Strictly Come Dancing, continuing the family tradition of involvement in the television industry.
Growing up, Brian Conley spent his formative years in West London. His early passion for performing arts led him to pursue his dreams in the field of entertainment. He embarked on his educational journey by studying Performing Arts at the Barbara Speake Stage School, where he likely honed his skills and developed a foundation for his future career.
Even as a teenager, Brian Conley demonstrated his enthusiasm for performing. He made some initial forays into the world of television, including appearing in an advertisement for hot dogs. Additionally, he secured a small role in a 1977 episode of the science fiction series "Survivors," marking his early experiences in front of the camera.
Notably, Conley's determination to pursue a career in entertainment led him to take a bold step at the age of 16. He misrepresented his age to secure a position as a Pontin's Bluecoat, highlighting his early commitment to a life dedicated to entertainment and showmanship. This early venture laid the groundwork for his remarkable and multifaceted career in the world of acting, comedy, singing, and television presenting.
Brian Conley Marital Life
Brian Conley's wife is Anne-Marie Conley, and they have been married since 1996. Anne-Marie is currently 54 years old, and together, they have two daughters named Lucy and Amy. Their marriage has endured for many years, and Brian has attributed its longevity to the fact that Anne-Marie is not involved in the showbiz world, allowing them to maintain a more private and grounded life away from the spotlight.
Anne-Marie Conley has chosen to stay out of the public eye, and not much is known about her personal life beyond her role as a devoted wife and mother to their daughters. During Brian's brief appearance on the reality show "I'm A Celebrity" in 2012, Anne-Marie's concern for him was visible as he left the show due to illness. Her support for him during this challenging time highlighted their strong bond.
Their marriage has a touch of romance as well. Brian proposed to Anne-Marie while dressed as a knight in armor, accompanied by a choir—a unique and memorable proposal. Their wedding ceremony took place on August 4 at Stoke Poges chapel in Buckinghamshire, and they departed the ceremony in the iconic car used in the film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."
While Anne-Marie Conley prefers to keep a low profile, her partnership with Brian Conley has undoubtedly played a significant role in his personal and professional life, contributing to their enduring relationship and family life.
Brian Conley Age
As of 2023, Brian Conley is 62 years old. Over the course of his lengthy career, he has demonstrated resilience, versatility, and dedication to his craft. Brian Conley has showcased his talent in various facets of entertainment, including acting, comedy, singing, presenting, and theater. His ability to excel in multiple domains highlights his versatility and adaptability as a performer.Conley's career spans several decades, which is a testament to his enduring popularity and the consistency of his work. This longevity in the competitive entertainment industry is inspiring and speaks to his enduring appeal.
Brian Conley Height
Brian Conley stands at a height of 1.75 meters, which is equivalent to approximately 5 feet and 9 inches. This height places him in the average range for adult males. It's important to note that Brian Conley's height is just one aspect of his physical stature, and his talent and accomplishments in the entertainment industry have made him a notable figure well beyond his physical attributes.
Brian Conley Net Worth
Brian Conley's source of income primarily comes from his diverse career. Brian Conley has had a long and successful career in television. He has been a host, presenter, and actor in various television shows, including comedy programs, variety shows, and game shows. These television appearances have contributed significantly to his income over the years.
Conley has a strong presence in the world of theater. He has performed in numerous West End productions, playing lead roles in musicals and stage plays. These stage performances not only showcase his talent but also provide a substantial source of income. Brian Conley is a skilled stand-up comedian, and he has recorded live shows that have been released on VHS and DVD. Comedy performances, whether on stage or in recorded formats, can generate income through ticket sales and media sales.
As a musician, Conley has released several albums. While music may not be his primary source of income, album sales and live music performances can contribute to his overall earnings. Participating in reality shows, such as "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" and "Strictly Come Dancing," can also be lucrative for celebrities like Brian Conley. Contestants on these shows often receive appearance fees.
Is Brian Conley Leaving Eastenders - FAQs
Yes, Brian Conley is Leaving Eastenders.
The specific reasons behind Brian Conley's decision to quit EastEnders have not been officially confirmed by the actor or the BBC. However, several reports suggest that a clash or dispute with BBC executives may have played a role in his departure. The details of this dispute remain undisclosed, and neither Conley nor the BBC has provided an official statement regarding the nature of the disagreement.
Brian Conley is an English actor, comedian, singer, and television presenter. He is known for his versatile career in the entertainment industry, which includes television shows, stage performances, comedy, and music.
Brian Conley has appeared in several television programs, including "The Brian Conley Show," "Time After Time," "The Grimleys," and "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" He also joined the cast of the BBC soap opera "EastEnders" in 2021.
Yes, Brian Conley has received awards and recognition for his contributions to comedy and entertainment. He has won The National Television Award for Most Popular Comedy Performer, Best Live Performer in the Manchester Evening News Awards, and has been honored with a British Comedy Award.