Kellie Bright thanks fans for their love and support as she leaves EastEnders after 13 years
Kellie Bright is leaving EastEnders after 13 years playing Linda Carter, but she has agreed to stay on the BBC soap for the time being as she is involved in an "exciting storyline".
Kellie Bright has thanked viewers for their love as she quits EastEnders after 13 years playing Linda Carter.
The star received many sweet messages from fans after revealing last month that she made the "tough decision" to quit the BBC soap "over a year ago", and now Kellie has thanked them for their support.
In a video posted on Instagram on Tuesday (01.09.26), she said: "Shall we talk about the elephant in the room? Or should I say, flamingo?
"I just wanted to do a little thank you message to everyone that sent some love to Linda’s way when you heard about the announcement of me leaving.
"It really means so much, and I just wanted to acknowledge it and say thank you for your lovely comments and messages.
"Linda hearts you back. Flamingos forever."
Fans rushed to the post's comments section to thank Kellie for her work on EastEnders and to remind the star just how much she will be missed.
One penned: "EastEnders won’t be the same without you! @kelliebrightofficial.
"I’ve absolutely loved watching you play Linda Carter over the past 13 years!
"You will be so missed Kellie!! Good luck with Everything!! (sic)"
A second supporter typed: "You’ll be so so SO MISSED Kellie. The square won’t be the same without our flamingo loving queen of Walford. Can’t wait to see what you get up to next and will always support you through everything/ Carters 4 Eva.
"So so proud of you xxxx (sic)."
And a third follower wrote: "Will miss you and Linda SO much! But all the best for whatever you go on to do, and I’m so happy we still have more Linda (and you!) into 2027. Don’t be a stranger too long though! (sic)"
Kellie has agreed to stay on EastEnders for the time being as she is involved in an "exciting storyline".
Last month, the entertainer said: "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.
"I made the tough decision over a year ago, but agreed to extend my stay because of an exciting storyline. I will miss my friends and colleagues hugely, but I am looking forward to my next chapter and spending more time with my wonderful boys."
Linda arrived on Albert Square in 2013 as she and on-screen husband Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) took over the soap's famous Queen Vic pub, and has since been central to several major storylines.
The character was raped by her brother-in-law Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo), had a long-running battle with alcoholism, and was revealed as Keanu Taylor's (Danny Walters') killer in The Six plot during the 2023 Christmas episodes of the soap.
EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey has promised "unmissable drama" as part of Kellie's exit storyline.
He said: "Kellie's characterisation of the fiercely lovable, protective and brilliant Linda Carter has made her a favourite among viewers. Everyone at EastEnders will miss Kellie and Linda dearly.
"We've still got a way to go before we say goodbye, but I can promise that Kellie's exit storyline will be full of unmissable drama."
Insiders have suggested that Linda is unlikely to be killed off as soap bosses hope Kellie may return at some point.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Kellie feels it is time to see what is on the outside.
"But everyone will be hoping Linda will return one day. It's believed the door is being left open."
It is also claimed that it is "very unlikely" that Danny will return as Mick for the storyline, with the character presumed dead after being lost at sea on Christmas Day 2022.
The source said: "The perfect ending for fans would be for Mick to be alive and come to rescue her - but that's very unlikely."
However, Linda and Mick's eldest children, Lee Carter (Danny Hatchard) and Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill), are returning to Albert Square in the build-up to her exit.
As well as Kellie, four other EastEnders stars are leaving the soap.
They are Michelle Ryan (Zoe Slater), Aaron Thiara (Ravi Gulati), Charlie Suff (Johnny Carter) and Pierre Counihan-Mouiller (Oscar Branning).
