Brian Conley has reportedly quit his role as Rocky Cotton on EastEnders after two-and-a-half years.
A report in The Sun alleges that the actor blindsided producers with his decision as they had planned big storylines for Rocky, who has just got married to Kathy (Gillian Taylforth).
The newspaper says that Christmas storylines are now hastily being rewritten to accommodate his exit, which could involve Rocky being killed off.
"Brian was a brilliant signing and has been a big hit with fans," a source said. "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. 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."
Viewers are already aware that one male character will be killed off on Christmas Day via a flashforward scene broadcast earlier this year, but whether that person turns out to be Rocky remains to be seen.
Neil Wilkes
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