The actress Kellie Bright has discussed her choice to depart from the long-running BBC soap opera where she portrayed Linda Carter for 13 years.
Bright is expected to make her exit from the programme in the near future.
The performer initially arrived in Albert Square alongside Danny Dyer in 2013, with their characters taking control of the Queen Vic public house.
Although Dyer departed the series three years prior, Bright remained to continue exploring her character’s narrative arc, and now she is prepared to conclude her tenure exceeding a decade on the programme.
During an interview with Radio Times at the National Television Awards 2026, Bright elaborated on her decision to leave.
She described the choice as something that developed quite naturally over time, emphasising that the determination was not made hastily.
The performer expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to have contributed to the programme for such an extended period and stated she feels fortunate to have embodied the character of Linda Carter throughout those years.
She added that she now feels prepared and eager to pursue fresh and stimulating ventures.
The current narrative involving Linda Carter centres on her renewed romantic involvement with Max Branning, the individual with whom she previously engaged in infidelity against her husband Mick Carter.
Regarding this particular plotline, Bright indicated that she had ceased attempting to anticipate narrative developments some time ago, having learned through experience that outcomes remain unpredictable.
She recalled how she had believed herself to be the least likely candidate for involvement in the storyline concerning Keanu’s death, which proved to be an incorrect assumption.
Since that revelation, she has adopted a philosophy of remaining open to any possibilities.
When questioned about whether she hoped Linda would ultimately end up partnered with Max, the television performer remained undecided.
She acknowledged that the two characters share a genuine connection and that they co-parent a child together.
However, she also noted Max Branning’s notorious reputation and expressed her protective instincts towards her character, concluding that the future remained uncertain and would become apparent in time.
Recent broadcasts concluded with Max and Linda embarking on a cautious relationship following the dissolution of his marriage to Cindy Beale.
Additionally, it was disclosed that Max had been the final individual to encounter Zoe Slater alive, having confronted her and instructed her to remain silent regarding his involvement with Linda.
The performer initially communicated her departure during the previous month, subsequent to the BBC’s announcement made in August.
She expressed appreciation to viewers who had offered support to Linda following news of her own exit, noting that the gesture had meant a great deal to her and that she wished to acknowledge their kindness.
She concluded by stating that Linda returns their affection and that flamingos would endure forever.
In separate developments for the programme, a recognisable figure is preparing to revisit Albert Square.
Ash Panesar will feature in a comeback storyline, though this time the character will be portrayed by actress Sakira Vel, marking three years since the character last appeared on screen.
The role was originally исполнена by Gurlaine Kaur Garcha, who featured in several significant narrative arcs that devoted viewers of the programme may recall.
Vel expressed that upon receiving notification regarding the role, she struggled to fully accept the reality until she actually arrived on the Square.
She described EastEnders as a television institution and noted that the programme had essentially formed the backdrop to her upbringing.
She considered it a genuine privilege to assume the role of Ash and expressed anticipation regarding what the character would bring to the Panesar family dynamics.
Ash is the daughter of Suki Kaur Panesar, portrayed by Balvinder Sopal, and Nish Panesar, played by Navin Chowdhry.
One of Ash’s prominent storylines involved navigating tension within her family unit, particularly with her mother Suki, stemming from her sexual orientation.
Suki experienced difficulty accepting Ash’s sexuality, partly due to her own discomfort and internalised homophobia following a kiss with Honey Mitchell.
The two characters managed to restore their relationship temporarily following Suki’s self-acceptance.
The character was last observed departing Walford to undertake employment in Canada.