EastEnders' Kellie Bright to leave after 13 years

Kellie Bright, who has portrayed Linda Carter on the long-running soap EastEnders for 13 years, is set to depart from the show. Her character, Linda, is well-known as a central figure in Albert Square, having arrived alongside her on-screen husband Mick, played by Danny Dyer, as the new landlords of the iconic Queen Vic pub.

Throughout her time on the series, Linda Carter has been involved in some of the most impactful storylines, touching on heavy themes such as murder, sexual assault, and struggles with alcoholism. Bright revealed that she made the difficult choice to leave the soap over a year ago but agreed to stay longer in order to participate in an exciting upcoming storyline. The BBC has promised viewers intense and compelling drama before her character eventually exits, though this departure is not imminent.

Ben Wadey, the executive producer of EastEnders, praised Kellie Bright, calling her “the beating heart of EastEnders” and recognizing her as “a classic EastEnders icon.” Linda Carter’s journey has resonated deeply with audiences, particularly during notably emotional plots, such as the 2014 storyline where her character was raped by her brother-in-law Dean Wicks.

This particular episode, which garnered more than seven million viewers, also sparked a significant reaction, with numerous complaints filed. The sexual assault storyline generated a long-lasting narrative exploring the ensuing family tensions and trauma, marking one of the most memorable and impactful arcs in the show’s recent history

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