EastEnders icon quits Walford after more than 10 years on soap as exit confirmed

An EastEnders stalwart is bidding farewell to the soap after a tumultuous few months.

Linda Carter, portrayed by Kellie Bright, first graced Walford in 2013. As the matriarch of the Carter family, Linda has won over the hearts of viewers.

She has been central to numerous major storylines throughout the years. From Linda's struggle with alcoholism to her turbulent relationship with Mick (Danny Dyer), her stint in Walford has been anything but dull.

Currently, she is embroiled in the murder and subsequent cover-up of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters). Fans will remember how Linda stabbed Keanu at Christmas as he tried to strangle Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean).

Linda, Sharon and the rest of The Six ladies managed to pin the crime on Linda's rapist Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo), who is now behind bars.

However, Linda - who battles with alcoholism - has seen her life take a dramatic turn in the past week. As Dean's trial plea hearing approaches, Linda has returned to drinking.

It was also disclosed that Dean has been coercing Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) into harassing Linda, sending her threatening letters. A massive confrontation between Linda and Johnny (Charlie Suff) reached fever pitch, with Johnny expressing his wish that his mother was dead.

Devastated, Linda turned to alcohol again and ended up choking on her own vomit while asleep.

Johnny found her and an ambulance was quickly on the scene, rushing Linda to hospital. Fortunately, she pulled through.

What's more, spoilers for the upcoming week's EastEnders reveal that Linda is preparing to depart Walford for a stint in rehab.

In Monday's episode (August 19), Linda has a consultation with her keyworker to discuss entering rehab, thanks to Elaine's generous offer to cover the costs.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer