Kellie Bright to leave EastEnders as Linda Carter in 2027

Kellie Bright is set to leave her long-running role as Linda Carter on the BBC soap opera EastEnders, with her exit storyline scheduled to conclude in 2027. The announcement, confirmed by the BBC on August 8, marks the end of a 13-year tenure for the actress, who first joined the show in late 2013.

Bright's character, Linda, is a former landlady of the iconic Queen Vic pub and has been central to many of the show's major storylines. Her departure was decided over a year ago, but she agreed to extend her stay to complete a planned narrative arc. "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," Bright stated. She added that she is looking forward to her next chapter and spending more time with her family.

Executive Producer Ben Wadey praised Bright's contribution, calling her a "classic EastEnders icon." He noted that the production team already had significant plans for Linda when Bright announced her decision, and promised her exit storyline would be "full of unmissable drama."

Linda Carter's journey on the show has included a marriage to Mick Carter,...