KELLIE BRIGHT TO LEAVE EASTENDERS

After 13 years, Kellie Bright is saying goodbye to EastEnders and her iconic role of Linda Carter. Kellie Bright burst onto our screens in 2013 as the loveable matriarch of the Carter family, and landlady of The Queen Vic, and has been at the heart of some of the show’s most explosive and iconic storylines since her character’s inception.

From Linda’s journey with alcoholism, her integral role in The Six flashforward which saw her character responsible for Keanu’s Christmas Day murder, and Linda’s famed relationship with husband Mick Carter, Kellie has firmly cemented Linda as an EastEnders icon who is loved by the viewers and EastEnders company alike for her dedication to family, friendships and pink flamingos.

Kellie and Linda’s exit is still a while away on screen, but with a rich history like Linda Carter’s, it would be impossible for her to leave quietly...

On her decision to leave EastEnders, Kellie Bright said: “EastEnders has been my home for thirteen 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. 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.”

Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer added: “Kellie has been at the beating heart of EastEnders for the past 13 years, and 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.

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. I’d like to thank Kellie for her time here at EastEnders, and we wish her all the best for the future.”

EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.