Kellie Bright to leave EastEnders after 13 years

Kellie Bright, a long-standing star of EastEnders, is set to depart the show after a 13-year tenure portraying the key character Linda Carter. Bright joined the series, alongside her on-screen husband Mick, portrayed by Danny Dyer, when they took ownership of the Queen Vic pub. Linda Carter's character has been at the center of numerous major storylines, such as murder, sexual assault, and alcoholism among others.

Bright decided to leave the show more than a year ago but later agreed to return for an exciting storyline. The BBC has assured viewers of unmissable drama leading up to Bright's exit, which is expected to happen in the near future.

Executive producer Ben Wadey praised Bright as the beating heart of EastEnders, stating that she has become a classic EastEnders icon. Bright's character has been at the heart of many emotional storylines, including her rape by her brother-in-law Dean Wicks in 2014, which resulted in a long-running storyline about family conflict and trauma.

In 2022, Linda Carter's husband disappeared into the sea while attempting to save his sister Janine Butcher, and the soap followed her as she grieved and navigated life as a single mother. Linda Carter also played a central role in the 2023 Christmas Day episode, where she stabbed Keanu Taylor to death to save her friend Sharon Watts, portrayed by Letitia Dean.

Bright recently opened a B&B and had several romances since then. She expressed that she will miss her friends and colleagues tremendously but is excited for her next chapter and to spend more time with her wonderful boys. Bright has also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 and starred in films such as Ali G Indahouse in 2002 and Kinky Boots in 2005.