EastEnders' Harriet Thorpe reacts to on-screen daughter Kellie Bright leaving the BBC soap
Harriet Thorpe plays Elaine Peacock, the mum of Linda Carter, portrayed by Kellie Bright, in EastEnders.
EastEnders' Harriet Thorpe has described Kellie Bright's departure from the BBC soap as a "loss".
The 50-year-old actress will bid farewell to the show and her character Linda Carter in 2027 as part of an exit storyline, which she described as "exciting".
Kellie's on-screen mum Harriet (Elaine Peacock) remained tight-lipped about the storyline, but noted changes are a part of soap storytelling.
Speaking at the 2026 Best Heroes Awards, sponsored by DFS, held at The Waldorf Hilton, London on Tuesday night (13.10.26), BANG Showbiz asked Harriet, 69, about Kellie's upcoming departure from EastEnders.
She replied: "Of course it is. And people who have been involved in identifying with all her journeys, of course it's going to be a loss with the family.
"But again, that's part of soap story. And throughout history we've been telling these stories."
Linda arrived on Albert Square in 2013 as she and on-screen husband Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) took over the soap's famous Queen Victoria 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.
Last month, Kellie thanked viewers for their love and support after revealing in August that she made the "tough decision" to quit EastEnders "over a year ago".
In a video posted on Instagram on September 1, 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."
In August, Kellie, who has three sons with her husband Paul Stocker, 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."
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."
Kellie's on-screen son Charlie Suff (Johnny Carter) is also leaving the programme, and he is "gutted" about it.
Last month, he told the Radio Times: "It’s gutting. I absolutely love being a part of the show. I love everyone in it. I love the crew. I love the team. It’s been an amazing thing to be part of."
He and Kellie recently reunited with Danny Hatchard (Lee Carter) and Maddy Hill (Nancy Carter) on screen in the build-up to their exits.
