Brian Conley has spoken out after his EastEnders character Rocky Cotton was arrested and bid farewell to Albert Square in Friday night's episode. The 62-year-old actor, who played the lovable rogue for two years, confirmed his departure on social media, sharing an emotional tribute to the character.
Rocky's exit storyline unfolded after he set fire to the cafe earlier this year, a plot tied to his gambling addiction and debt problems. In the Christmas Day special, Rocky witnessed key events involving 'the Six' – a group of characters who covered up the murder of Keanu Taylor. His growing suspicions led Kathy Beale and Denise Fox to frame him for the arson to protect their secret.
During Friday's episode, Kathy and Denise found evidence of Rocky's insurance payout searches, leading to his arrest at the Queen Vic for criminal damage by fire where life was endangered. Kathy visited him in custody and urged him to accept the charges, promising to wait for him. The episode ended with Rocky in tears, bidding an emotional farewell.
Taking to social media after the episode, Conley shared a picture of himself as Rocky and wrote: 'Well Rocky, you pretended to be Sonia’s Dad, Had two heart attacks, Married Kathy Beale, Met the King of England, Your best mate’s with Harry Redknapp You blew up the cafe, and had a pet parrot called Jasper. Gonna miss you, you old rascal. X.'
It remains unclear whether this marks Rocky's final appearance, but Conley's post suggests the character's time on the soap has come to an end. The actor previously announced his departure in September, and his exit storyline has now played out in dramatic fashion.
