It’s the end of an era for EastEnders – as Kellie Bright has decided to leave the BBC soap after 13 unforgettable years as Linda Carter.
Show bosses confirmed the sad news over the weekend, shocking fans who’d hoped that Linda would remain part of the Walford community for many more years to come.
But why is Kellie leaving and when will her final scenes air? We’re delving into everything you need to know about this high-profile departure…
1. Why is Linda Carter leaving EastEnders?
There’s no need for a petition calling for a rethink – Kellie Bright has made the decision to leave EastEnders of her own accord. Her departure has been in the works for a long while, as Kellie informed EastEnders chiefs of her intentions over a year ago.
“EastEnders has been my home for 13 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,” Kellie said in her exit statement.
“I made the tough decision over a year ago, and after discussing this with Kate Oates and 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.”
Eagle-eyed fans have since noticed that these secret behind-the-scenes discussions fitted with Kellie taking an extended break from our screens last year.
Linda went away on a cruise in July 2025 and didn’t return until December. Viewers missed her when she was away – but little did they know that a permanent exit would eventually be on the cards.
2. When do Linda’s final scenes air?
Not until early 2027, it seems! Linda was one of the characters who appeared in EastEnders’ New Year flashforward episode at the start of this year.
Those scenes confirmed that Linda will still be part of Walford life on 1 January 2027.
HOT NEWS!!! EastEnders confirms major character is pregnant leaving flashforward mystery ‘solved’
EastEnders spoilers follow for Wednesday’s (August 19) episode, which can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm.
Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) made quite the discovery hours after ending her affair with Max Branning (Jake Wood) – and it may shed some light on one of the big flashforward mysteries.
The fan-favourite character, as viewers know, has been sleeping with Max, who is due to wed Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) in the coming weeks.
Cindy remains in the dark about lothario Max’s betrayal and roped Priya in to assist with her hen do.
Priya, meanwhile, was conflicted about her future as, feeling guilty over what they’ve done to Cindy was one thing but when ex Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) popped the question in a tearful moment, it left her certain that ending things with Max was the only logical conclusion.
Max was taken aback by her decision to put a stop to their dalliance but ultimately he realised it was for the best. While Priya weighed up if she truly wanted to marry Ravi, she headed to Cindy’s hen at The Vic – where things took an unexpected turn.
After feeling off all day, she threw up all over Cindy’s dress.
Later, we saw Priya sitting in the ladies loos with a pregnancy test in hand – and a shocked look on her face. She’s pregnant.
The question is: is the baby Max’s? If so, it would certainly add further fuel to the speculation that she is the pregnant woman in Max’s bed on New Year’s Day.
The BBC One soap, as fans will remember, aired a special flashforward episode in January, showcasing what New Year’s Day 2027 will look like on the Square.
On the day in question, Max is getting married to a mystery woman – but there is a pregnant woman sleeping in the bed beside him that’s not his bride-to-be.
With Priya now confirmed pregnant, will she prove to be the woman in question?
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