Bradley Walsh launches public appeal to get Brian Conley a job after EastEnders exit

Bradley Walsh has appealed to get Brian Conley a new job.

The 62-year-old actor departed his role as Rocky Cotton on BBC One soap 'EastEnders' in scenes aired over the festive period, after spending just over two years in Albert Square.

Brian has now appeared in a social media video with 'The Chase' star Bradley, 63, where the pair jokingly started a campaign to find his next role, with his stint in 'Cinderella' almost over.

In the video, which was posted to X - formerly known as Twitter - Bradley said: "Hello, everyone. I'm backstage here at the Milton Keynes Theatre coming to see an old friend of mine.

"We've known each other a long time, since we've been teenagers in effect. And, sadly, now, at the moment, the show's come to an end.

"And he's left a show on the BBC called 'EastEnders'. So he's actually out of work, and I believe he's now looking for work."

The former 'Coronation Street' star then turned to his friend to humorously ask what his skills were, to which Brian confirmed that he could "act, sing and dance".

Bradley concluded: "Someone gave him a job. Stop him bugging me."

Towards the end of last year, it was claimed the former 'I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!' contestant - who, away from television, has enjoyed a career in theatre, with roles in musicals such as 'Hairspray' and 'Oliver!' - had opted to step away from the soap so he could commit to pantomime, despite bosses hoping that he would be around for the serial's 40th anniversary in February 2025.

A TV insider told The Sun newspaper's TV Biz column: “Often in milestone celebratory years like the 40th anniversary, bosses need to have all cast available so that they can storyline appropriately up to and beyond December to guarantee that level of drama for audiences.

"There’s a real buzz around the anniversary with plans already underway to bring audiences some explosive storylines.

“Filming for February usually takes place before Christmas, so for those wanting to do a five-week run would mean the show would be unable to use them in any of their plans relating to the anniversary.”

A spokeswoman for the show said: “As previously stated by Brian Conley earlier in the week, 'EastEnders' are fully supportive of Brian’s decision to leave at the end of his contract and we wish him the very best for the future.

"'EastEnders' cast take part in panto every year, but as we lead up to our milestone 40th anniversary, all cast members have been asked to be involved for storyline purposes.

“We’ve received no complaints. In fact everyone has been supportive of the plan.”