EastEnders have confirmed that Brian Conley is leaving the soap after three years.

The actor, 62, has played Thomas ‘Rocky’ Cotton since May 2021 but is now moving on to new projects. 

The BBC told in a statement on Wednesday that they supported his decision and denied claims of a feud and that he had demanded to be written out of the show.

Brian also took to his Instagram grid to confirm the news and further refuted claims there had been disagreements.

The Sun had claimed on Tuesday night that BBC bosses were ‘furious’ he was leaving as they had planned important storylines around his character.

EastEnders said in a statement: ‘We can confirm that Brian Conley will be leaving EastEnders. 

‘There is absolutely no truth in any claims of a feud with bosses and the show fully support Brian in his decision to leave which was made some time ago. 

‘We wish him the best of luck for the future as we continue to work towards his exit storyline which has been in the works for some time.’ 

Meanwhile Brian said in a social media video: ‘Hi it’s me Brian, AKA Rocky from EastEnders. I am just sending out this message to all the fans. You may have heard reports that I am leaving.

‘It was a tough decision but it is true that I am going, I made it for many reasons that decision. It was tough as they are such a wonderful crowd in front and behind the cameras and I have loved my three years there.

‘That is the truth. There are reports that I clashed and that I was ranting, but I’m not ranting. I have gone with their blessings the Beeb and I am excited about the future and where it’s going to go and I am excited about Rocky’s exit because it’s good!

‘So I am sending you much love to all EastEnders fans and enough said!’ 

It comes after in June Brian revealed he could be facing the chop in this year’s Christmas cliff-hanger.

The actor told host Steph McGovern Steph’s Packed Lunch that the BBC1 soap is planning to film a number of different endings for this year’s Christmas Day episode to keep viewers guessing.

He said: ‘In February we had a lovely episode where if flashed forward to Christmas, and someone’s dead in The Vic and Letitia is there in a wedding dress and she’s covered in blood.

‘So everyone’s going, ‘O my God, who’s dead?’, as well as all the actors in the show, and all you saw was it’s a male, or is it, I don’t know.

‘You just saw the cufflinks and I think everyone has been looking out for those cufflinks for a while now.’

Asked by Steph if the cast knew who the victim was Brain replied: ‘None of us have got a clue. 

‘I believe leading up to Christmas, there might be ten of us laying there so that it will be a big surprise to us as well.

‘We’re all going to maybe film a moment where we’re all laying on the floor and then right up until the last minute they can reveal on Christmas Day who it is.’

Asked if he was worried about potentially being killed off, Brian said: ‘You’re in an ongoing drama so you know people do pass away and you do live on tenterhooks, especially if you’re enjoying it, and we all are, they’re a lovely bunch, everyone there.

‘I’m very happy to be there and I just think what we’re doing now and the fact that it’s the number one soap is very exciting.’

Conley has been the host of The Brian Conley Show, as well as presenting the Royal Variety Performance on eight occasions. 

Shocking new video shared with MailOnline appears to capture the moment Royal Marine commandos clashed with police in Gibraltar in a brawl that saw seven arrested on Friday.

Royal Gibraltar Police were responding to a call near the Ocean Village Gym when they became involved in a brawl with elite soldiers from 43 Commando at around 4am.

Footage showed officers wrestling men in civilian clothing to the ground. One man in a T-Shirt and shorts was seen to back off with his hands up as police adopted fighting stances and grappled with others.

A second clip shows sirens lighting up the street as police detain suspects on the floor near a police car. Police were reported to have used batons and pepper spray to stop the soldiers in the clash that left seven officers and a member of the public injured. 

Suspects were charged on Saturday with offences including assault on police, violent disorder and disorderly whilst intoxicated. They will appear in court on Tuesday.

The commandos are part of a 550-strong unit, based at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland, responsible for protecting Britain’s nuclear weapons. 

Kyle Connell, 20, Anthony Houghton, 36, Graham Tait, 42, Cameron Bull, 23, Connor Holborn, 24, Sandy Dove, 36, and Samuel Bates, 26, are part of a 550-strong unit responsible for protecting Britain’s nuclear weapons.

The Royal Navy’s website says they are currently on deployment for ‘Maritime Security’ – boasting the group includes crack snipers and close combat specialists.

Royal Gibraltar Police said: ‘Seven men will be appearing before the Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning (May 2) following a large fight in Ocean Village.

‘During the incident, seven RGP officers and one member of the public were injured. 

‘The Response Team officers were required to use captor spray, baton tactics and unarmed defence tactics. 

‘The Royal Gibraltar Police officers were assisted by officers from the Gibraltar Defence Police. Early this morning, the men, who are all serving members of the military, were charged.’ 

Houghton was charged with two accounts of violent disorder, one of resisting and obstructing police, one of disorderly whilst intoxicated and one of assault on the police.

Dove was charged with two counts of violent disorder, one of resisting and obstructing police and one of assault on police.

Connell, Tait, Bull, Holborn and Baits were all charged with two counts of violent disorder and one of resisting and obstructing police.

Police had to call the Gibraltar Defence Police for backup as they tried to subdue the serving soldiers. 

They have been bailed with conditions, pending their court appearance on Tuesday. 

A Ministry of Defence (MoD) media officer told The Olive Press that ‘seven service personnel from 43 Commando were arrested by Royal Gibraltar Police on 28 April 2023’.

The Navy’s website reads: ‘From snipers who can disable a moving speedboat from a pursuit helicopter, through to close combat and cold-weather warfare specialists, 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines are the elite warriors who protect the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent.

‘The unit works closely with the MoD Police but also supports the Atomic Weapons Establishment, US Marine Corps and US Coast Guard.

‘Ready and able 24/7/365, 43 Commando delivers specialist capability in a uniquely complex urban, maritime, industrial environment.’

The MoD has been contacted for comment.