Kellie Bright to leave EastEnders after 13 years
Actress Kellie Bright is set to leave the long-running BBC soap EastEnders after 13 years of playing the character Linda Carter. The show's producers have promised a dramatic exit for the character, who has been central to many of the show's major storylines.
Why it matters
As a major cultural figure in British television, the departure of a long-standing lead actor significantly impacts the show's narrative direction.
Image source, BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron Image caption, The Carters joined EastEnders in 2013
EastEnders star Kellie Bright is to leave the soap after playing one of its key characters, Linda Carter, for 13 years.
She arrived in Albert Square with on-screen husband Mick, portrayed by Danny Dyer, when they became the new owners of the Queen Vic pub.
Carter's matriarch character has been central to major storylines including plots about murder, sexual assault and alcoholism.
Bright said she made the "tough decision" to leave more than a year ago but "happily" agreed to stay on to be part of an "exciting storyline".
The BBC has promised "unmissable drama" before her on-screen exit, which is said to be a "while away" yet.
Executive producer Ben Wadey described the actor as being "the beating heart of EastEnders" and said she had become "a classic EastEnders icon".
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in