EastEnders confirms Nancy and Lee Carter return for Linda's exit

The BBC soap opera EastEnders has confirmed the return of two major Carter family characters, Nancy and Lee, as part of an upcoming exit storyline for their mother, Linda Carter. Actors Maddy Hill and Danny Hatchard are reprising their roles for short stints later this year, with filming already underway. The return is tied to the departure of veteran actress Kellie Bright, who has played Linda Carter for 13 years.

Executive producer Ben Wadey announced the returns in a statement, expressing that the production is "absolutely thrilled" to welcome Hill and Hatchard back to Walford. He explained that the decision was made to honor Linda Carter's legacy ahead of her exit. "Losing her is such a big moment for the show, and we wanted to make sure we see Linda at her best in her final few months. So we’ll be welcoming Lee and Nancy back into the fold," Wadey said. He teased that the storyline is a major one, guaranteeing "jaws will drop when you see the first cliffhanger."

The precise reason for Nancy and Lee's return has not been officially disclosed. However, their homecoming will coincide with other family upheaval, including the anticipated exit of their younger brother Johnny...