Kellie Bright to leave EastEnders after 13 years

Kellie Bright has announced her departure from EastEnders after 13 years playing Linda Carter.

The actress, who turned 50 last month, made her debut as part of new Vic owners the Carter family over Christmas 2013 and quickly became one of the soap’s top stars.

Linda’s relationship with husband Mick (Danny Dyer) was central to EastEnders for a decade – and when Dyer left in 2022, with Mick presumably drowned at sea, Bright opted to remain with the show.

“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,” she said in a statement.

“I made the tough decision over a year ago, and after discussing this with [continuing drama boss] Kate Oates and [executive producer] Ben Wadey, they asked me to stay on to be part of an exciting storyline they had planned, and I happily agreed to extend my stay.

“I will miss my friends and colleagues hugely, but I am looking forward to my next chapter and spending more time with my wonderful boys.”

Wadey added: “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.

“Kellie has been involved in some of the show’s most explosive and iconic storylines, and everyone at EastEnders will miss Kellie and Linda dearly.

“When Kellie told us of her decision last year to leave, we already had big plans for Linda, so we were delighted that Kellie agreed to stay on to see them through. We’ve still got a long way to go before we say goodbye, but I can promise that Kellie’s exit storyline will be full of unmissable drama.

“I’d like to thank Kellie for her time here at EastEnders, and we wish her all the best for the future.”

Bright is expected to make her on-screen exit in early 2027.