(Image: BBC)
BBC’s The One Show aired an hour long special to to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with the help of one EastEnders legend.

Alex Jones and Roman Kemp hosted the hour long special, which featured moving stories from around the UK and celebrity guests sharing their personal connections. EastEnders star Brian Conley, who played the role of Rocky Cotton in the soap also joined the presenting duo, as he was seen behind the scenes at the historic Gorleston Pavilion Theatre in Norfolk.

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The Gorleston Pavilion Theatre is preparing for a big show on May 8 called VE Day 80, which will feature celebration of music, dance, and nostalgia to commemorate the special day.

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Brian Conley headed to The Gorleston Pavilion Theatre for a special VE Day event on The One Show
Brian’s presenting role on Monday night’s show comes just weeks after his shock return to Albert Square, as he featured in Sonia Fowler’s (Natalie Cassidy) final episode. Brian originally left the soap in 2023 when Rocky was placed in jail for setting fire to Kathy’s café as part of an insurance scam.

However, earlier this year, Rocky made his surprise return when Sonia went to visit him in jail before leaving Walford for Bali. Sonia told Rocky she wanted to leave but needed someone to give her the nod that it was OK. Rocky was the closest thing Sonia had as a father figure initially posing as her father Terry Cant when he joined the show.

“I suppose you’re the closest thing I’ve had to a father figure. I’ve spent my whole life watching people doing things with their real dads and I’ve never had a clue who mine was. Those few months when I thought it was you, I finally knew what it was like,” Sonia told Rocky.

Brian recently made a shock return to EastEnders as he reprised his role as Rocky Cotton(Image: BBC)
He then told Sonia before her departure: “It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Food for thought eh. Whatever happens Son, keep in touch.”

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Despite only returning for one scene, fans were curious as to whether Rocky would make a more permanent return one day. Addressing his stint on Loose Women a few days later, Brian said: “I dunno, I dunno,” as he asked the ITV audience whether they want to see Rocky back.

Posting about his departure in 2023, Brian penned: “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 café, and had a pet parrot called Jasper. Gonna miss you, you old rascal. X.”