Kellie Bright, the actress behind EastEnders' Linda Carter, has revealed she is bowing out of Albert Square after 13 years, saying it is the 'right time to say goodbye'. The 48-year-old, who has been at the centre of some of the soap's most explosive plots, made the announcement ahead of her character's departure.
A 13-year stint at the Queen Vic
Bright first appeared as Linda Carter in December 2013, arriving as one of the new owners of the Queen Vic pub alongside her on-screen husband Mick, played by Danny Dyer. Over the years, her character has become a firm favourite, known for her fierce protectiveness of her family and her sharp wit.
Linda has been embroiled in numerous high-profile storylines, including the infamous 'The Six' plot, where she was eventually unmasked as the killer of Keanu Taylor on Christmas Day. Other harrowing arcs have included sexual assault, a battle with alcoholism, and an affair with Max Branning, portrayed by Jake Wood. One of the most heart-wrenching moments came when Mick disappeared at sea, leaving Linda devastated.
Current storyline and new romance
Currently, Linda is running a bed and breakfast with her mother Elaine Peacock, played by Harriet Thorpe, and has been exploring a fresh romance with newcomer Clive Masters, played by Jason Durr. This new relationship could be tied into her exit, though producers are keeping details under wraps for now.
Bright, a mum of three who is married to actor Paul Stoke, said: "EastEnders has been my home for 13 years and I have absolutely loved being part of the show, but I have decided that it is now the right time for me to say goodbye."
She added: "I made the tough decision over a year ago, and after discussing this with Kate Oates and Ben Wadey, they asked me to stay on to be part of an exciting storyline they had planned, and I happily agreed to extend my stay. I will miss my friends and colleagues hugely, but I am looking forward to my next chapter and spending more time with my wonderful boys."
Executive producer promises unmissable exit
Executive producer Ben Wadey paid tribute to Bright, saying: "Kellie has been at the beating heart of EastEnders for the past 13 years. Her characterisation of the fiercely lovable, protective, and brilliant Linda Carter has made her a favourite amongst the viewers and cemented her as a classic EastEnders icon."
Wadey continued: "Kellie has been involved in some of the show’s most explosive and iconic storylines, and everyone at EastEnders will miss Kellie and Linda dearly. When Kellie told us of her decision last year to leave, we already had big plans for Linda, so we were delighted that Kellie agreed to stay on to see them through. We’ve still got a long way to go before we say goodbye, but I can promise that Kellie’s exit storyline will be full of unmissable drama."
Impact on the show and fans
Linda Carter's departure will mark the end of an era for the Queen Vic, which has been a central hub of the soap since its inception. Fans have taken to social media to express their sadness at the news, with many praising Bright's performances over the years.
Bright's exit is expected to air later this year, and producers have hinted that her final scenes will be among the most dramatic in the show's history. With her character's complex history and current storyline, viewers can expect plenty of twists and turns before Linda says her final goodbye.
As one of the longest-serving cast members, Bright's departure will leave a significant gap in the Square, but her legacy as Linda Carter is assured. The show has already begun teasing her exit, promising a storyline that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
