EastEnders – is Linda Carter leaving and what will happen to The Queen Vic?

Is she bowing out?

By Sophie Dainty

20 Jan 2023

Jack BarnesBBC

EastEnders spoilers follow from tonight's episode (January 20), which is currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer but hasn't yet aired on TV.

EastEnders landlady Linda Carter has returned to Walford this week, but a subsequent bombshell has suggested this could be short-lived.

A grief-stricken Linda has made it clear that she doesn't intend to stay in Walford without her beloved Mick, but will she really be bowing out as well? Here's everything you need to know.

Is Kellie Bright leaving EastEnders after Danny Dyer's exit?

BBC

Linda took some time away from Walford in the wake of Mick's tragic Christmas Day exit, but was forced home after learning that Alfie had reopened The Vic without her permission.

Although Linda eventually forgave Alfie's misguided actions, she sadly shared her plans to leave Albert Square for good, unable to see a way forward there without Mick.

Linda's future on the show became a natural talking point following the news of Danny Dyer's exit last January, but confirmation soon came that Kellie Bright was, in fact, sticking round. Yippee.

Speaking to Inside Soap last summer, Kellie said: "I'm happy to stay at the moment although I am obviously sad to see Danny go. He wanted to do other things and I support him as a mate, but at the same time, it's sad for me."

Reiterating her plans to stick with the show post-Mick, Kellie told us before Christmas: "Let's just say Linda doesn't get over this any time soon. She's not going to, is she? He is the love of her life.

"I'm only up to February but we've just filmed some Valentine's Day stuff and there's a little picture of Mick up behind the bar and she wishes him a happy Valentine's Day and blows him a kiss. He's still very present for her in that way.

"I do know a little bit about what's in store for Linda but I can't tell anyone! I've only just found out myself and I'm excited about it which is really good."

EastEnders spoilers – what's next for Linda?

linda carter, patrick trueman, eastenders

BBC

Although Kellie might be staying tight-lipped on what's in store for Linda now, show boss Chris Clenshaw was luckily able to share a bit more.

Speaking to Digital Spy and other media before Christmas, Chris teased a big, new storyline on the way for Linda, which will be kicking off in February.

"Linda's still very much at the heart of Albert Square and it's so great to have Kellie", he said.

"She's not going to get over Mick very quickly. She was just reunited with him then he was snatched away from her so it won't be all smiles straight away, but there are big plans for Linda.

"She's going to start shooting something in January that goes out in February and it's something that we as a show haven't done before. Linda's at the centre of that."

EastEnders spoilers – what will happen to The Queen Vic?

alfie, jean slater, linda carter, eastenders

BBC

The mystery continues. Fans have been speculating over the iconic pub's fate ever since it was announced that Mick was bowing out, and it seemed that their suspicions were about to be proved correct when Linda vowed to sell it in last night's episode (January 19). However, a further twist has since turned that on its head.

Today's episode, which is currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer, will see Linda's plans to sell up thrown in jeopardy, thanks to the ambiguous nature of Mick's disappearance.

The scenes will see Linda tell Alfie that she is unable to sell the pub, as Mick hasn't officially been declared dead. Linda goes on to explain Mick's immediate family could apply for a declaration of presumed death certificate in six months' time, but she she will be stuck in her current situation until then.

Linda's day then takes a further overwhelming turn when the police interrupt Mick's vigil with his washed-up wallet. Linda becomes overcome with emotion to find that he'd carried a picture of them around with him, despite the fact they hadn't been an official couple for over a year before he disappeared.

linda carter, alfie moon, jay mitchell, patrick trueman, eastenders

BBC

As Linda's grief engulfed her, she was supported by her friends Alfie and Sharon – who promised to do everything they could to support her.

So, with Linda seemingly unable to sell The Vic for now, what does the future hold for the Walford boozer?

Prior to revealing her plans to sell, Linda told Alfie he could keep his job behind the bar. But the longer-term plans remain to be seen. And show bosses are keeping tight-lipped for now as well.

"There is a question mark over the future of The Vic at the moment," Clenshaw told Digital Spy and other media before Christmas. "Kellie knows what's happening and we know what's happening. It's very exciting."

EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.