EastEnders boss wants to keep Linda Carter as "heart of the Square"

Speaking at a press event to launch the arrival of the Knight family on Albert Square, executive producer Chris Clenshaw discussed the reasoning behind the new characters and their link to Linda.

Clenshaw revealed: "The plan was to always bring in a new family into the Vic. You know, I think Kellie has done a phenomenal job over the last decade... she's the heart of the Square.

"And I was therefore incredibly keen, along with the rest of the team, to build on that and explore the Peacocks - that then ultimately evolved into the Knights."

Additionally, actress Kellie Bright discussed her pleasure at the character of Linda being revitalised after the departure of her on-screen soulmate, Mick Carter (Danny Dyer).

Discussing the impact of the arrival of the Knights on Linda, Bright said: "It's all a bit of a shock to the system and she suddenly has to not just share her pub with these people but her whole world, you know? They move in and so, you know... it's just a transitional time. But it has been really wonderful to play."

She added: "You know, I've really, really enjoyed the last few months working with them all. I feel very lucky and I feel very much like they have breathed life back into Linda Carter, which is really nice, actually.

"And the pub needs a family in it. It just does. It needs people, it needs life. It can't just be me and Ollie and Annie rattling around it. So I'm really grateful for that. and I'm looking forward to what's to come."

Fans can look forward to the Knights arriving on Albert Square on Thursday 1st June 2023.

Read More

• EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap?
• EastEnders' Kellie Bright fears "everlasting" Linda and Sharon feud
• EastEnders' Colin Salmon on personal reason he took George Knight role
• EastEnders star Kellie Bright: "The show needed a Harriet Thorpe"
• EastEnders spoilers: Gina Knight to be "spiky" and clash with Elaine
• EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw explains the “Knight in Shining Armour”
• Sam Mitchell to return to EastEnders ‘before the autumn’ after surprise exit
• EastEnders' Danielle Harold pays tribute to Lola's story

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.

If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.

Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.