EastEnders star Kellie Bright is leaving her role as Linda Carter after 13 years, with her on-screen exit scheduled for early 2027.
After more than a decade at the center of Albert Square, one of the most recognizable faces in British soap opera is preparing to hang up her apron. The BBC has confirmed that Kellie Bright will exit EastEnders, concluding a 13-year run defined by dramatic trials, high-profile controversies, and a central role as the protector of the Carter family.
The Decision Behind the 13-Year Milestone
Bright debuted on the program in late 2013, arriving in fictional Walford alongside on-screen husband Mick Carter, played by Danny Dyer, as the new proprietors of The Queen Vic pub. While Dyer departed the serial in 2022 when his character was presumed to have drowned at sea, Bright chose to remain with the daily drama, anchoring the series through subsequent production shifts and major plot arcs.
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Her exit, however, has been in motion behind the scenes for quite some time.
“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.”
EastEnders’ Kellie Bright on Linda’s rock bottom: “You will see the very worst version of Linda”
Upon informing production leadership of her choice, Bright entered into discussions with continuing drama boss Kate Oates and executive producer Ben Wadey. Rather than writing her out immediately, the creative team convinced the actor to extend her tenure to accommodate a major narrative arc. Bright noted that she happily agreed to stay on to be part of the planned material before looking toward her personal life and future career chapters, stating she wanted to spend more time with her boys.
Explosive Storylines and The Queen Vic Legacy
More recently, Bright found herself at the center of the show’s murder plot known as “The Six.” On Christmas Day 2023, her character killed Keanu Taylor to protect her close friend Sharon Watts, setting off a chain of secrecy and psychological strain for the group of women involved. Last year, Linda officially relinquished her long-held spot behind the bar of The Queen Vic, selling the establishment to Kat Moon.
Executive producer Ben Wadey praised the actor’s profound impact on the long-running serial, highlighting her enduring appeal to the audience.
“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.”
Ben Wadey, Executive Producer
What Lies Ahead Before the 2027 Departure
While the confirmation of her departure is out in the open, viewers will not have to say goodbye to Linda Carter right away. Production figures have indicated that her physical exit from the program is still some way off on screen, with network schedules pointing toward an on-screen conclusion in early 2027.
Current episodes show the character exploring a potential romance with local councillor and kind widower Clive Masters. However, speculation among fans remains high regarding other loose narrative threads—such as whether she might be linked to the flash-forward scenarios teased on New Year’s Day, or if there is any remote possibility of a reunion with her long-lost partner Mick.
For now, production leadership promises that the build-up to her final scenes will deliver unmissable drama as the long-running character’s concluding chapter takes shape on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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