Kellie Bright exits EastEnders after 13 years as Linda Carter

Kellie Bright, who has portrayed Linda Carter in EastEnders for 13 years, is set to leave the show. She made the decision to depart more than a year ago but agreed to stay for an exciting storyline. Bright's character has been involved in significant storylines, including a traumatic rape incident and the recent loss of her husband. As she prepares to exit, Bright expresses her anticipation for the next chapter in her life, focusing on her family.

Kellie Bright exits EastEnders after 13 years as Linda Carter
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entertainment Published Aug 9, 2026

Topic overview

In brief

  • Kellie Bright has played Linda Carter in EastEnders for 13 years.
  • She announced her departure after making the decision over a year ago.
  • Bright looks forward to spending more time with her family after leaving the show.

Summary

In the United Kingdom, Kellie Bright, known for her role as Linda Carter in the long-running soap opera EastEnders, has announced her departure from the show after 13 years. Bright joined the cast alongside her on-screen husband, Mick Carter, played by Danny Dyer, when they took over the Queen Vic pub. The actress revealed that she made the difficult decision to leave more than a year ago but chose to stay on to participate in an exciting storyline that the producers had planned. The BBC has promised viewers 'unmissable drama' leading up to her exit, which is expected to occur sometime in the future.

Throughout her time on the show, Bright's character has been central to numerous emotional and impactful storylines. One of the most notable arcs occurred in 2014 when Linda was raped by her brother-in-law, Dean Wicks. This storyline garnered significant attention, with over 7 million viewers tuning in to watch the episode, which led to numerous complaints from the audience. The aftermath of this traumatic event resulted in a long-running narrative exploring themes of family conflict and trauma, showcasing the depth and complexity of Linda's character.

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Updated Aug 9, 2026

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