Things are set to get complicated for Rocky yet again (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
There is never a quiet day on Walford Square, and EastEnders is set to be rocked once more this week by another explosive reveal.
Rocky Cotton (Brian Conley) and Kathy Beale’s (Gillian Taylforth) relationship is set to be tested as Rocky’s huge secret is exposed.
As Kathy plans to set a date for their wedding, Rocky has been keeping a massive secret from her: He is still married to another woman.
After Rocky involves Reiss and Sonia (Jonny Freeman and Natalie Cassidy) in his web of lies, they decide to track his secret wife Jo (Vicki Michelle) down.
However, things take a turn when Jo shows up on Kathy’s doorstep, and reveals exactly who she is.
But who is Rocky and who plays him? Here’s what you need to know.
Who is Rocky Cotton?
Thomas ‘Rocky’ Cotton is the son of Charlie Cotton, as well as being the half-brother of Nick and Andrew Cotton (John Altman and Ricky Grover), and the uncle of Dotty Cotton (Milly Zero).
Rocky first entered the soap in 2021 and has since made quite the impression (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
The character, also known as Terry Cant, made his first appearance in the soap on May 18, 2021.
When he arrived in the Square, Rocky pretended to be the estranged Terry Cant, who is the father of Sonia Jackson and grandfather of Bex Fowler (Jasmine Armfield)
This was all part of a scheme cooked up by his niece Dotty in an attempt to steal Dot’s money from Sonia.
Rocky began dating Kathy Beale in the process, and on Christmas Day 2021, his scam was revealed to Sonia, Kathy, Peter Beale (Dayle Hudson), and Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell).
He works hard to make amends with Sonia and Kathy following the explosive reveal, things are set to get harder once again as his wedding day to Kathy approaches – as he is still married to another woman.
Who plays him in EastEnders?
Rocky has been played by Brian Conley since he first stepped foot on the Square.
Brian Conley has played the character since 2021 (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
The comedian and actor, 61, has been the host of The Brian Conley Show, as well as presenting the Royal Variety Performance on eight occasions.
He is also no stranger to the stage and has played the lead role in musicals such as Me and My Girl, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hairspray, Oliver!
The Time After Time star has addressed Rocky’s deceit towards Kathy and the character’s motivations for it.
‘Rocky has tried to bury his past, like he does with so many things. I think he hoped deep down that it would just go away’, actor Brian Conley revealed.
‘As the week starts, he realises he’s getting deeper and deeper in trouble, and deeper and deeper into a position where it’s going to be so hard to not say something.
Rocky will have to face the music (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
He has also spoken about whether he believes the couple will survive the aftermath.
‘I hope so’, Brian confessed.
‘Rocky is so in love with Kathy, and will do anything for her. I think over the last year, Kathy has realised how much he loves her, and I just hope that prevails.’
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