EastEnders' Kellie Bright reveals Linda's new battle as she relapses
Dean's return leads her to spiral.
This article includes discussion of rape and sexual assault that some readers may find upsetting.
Kellie Bright has confirmed that her EastEnders alter ego Linda Carter will relapse with alcohol in upcoming scenes, as the presence of her rapist Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) continues to take its toll on The Queen Vic landlady.
Dean returned to Walford to be near his unwell daughter Jade Masood (Elizabeth Green), whose mother is Shabnam (Rakhee Thakrar). Dean also set up a pie and mash shop with Ian (Adam Woodyatt) and Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins).
He has repeatedly denied Linda's accusations that he raped her, and has even manipulated her into saying she lied, words which Dean secretly recorded.
Dean has been named as one of seven potential victims, with one Walford male set to be murdered this Christmas.
As Bright and her co-stars prepared for EastEnders' huge murder storyline, they were interviewed by former star of the BBC soap, presenter Joe Swash, in EastEnders: The Six – Revealed.
Asking Bright about Linda's current ordeal, Swash said: "Is this going to be another reason for her to get off the wagon again?"
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"Well, I can reveal that, yes, she is unfortunately going to go down that road again," she replied, as her colleagues expressed sadness over this development for Linda.
"But actually, I think she's going to be a functioning alcoholic," Bright added.
Swash couldn't resist quizzing the actress further: "Functioning enough to murder someone?"
"This is the thing. I didn't think any of us were the murderer," she exclaimed, as Swash joked that she may be protesting a little too much.
Is Linda capable of murder? All will be revealed on Christmas Day in an hour-long special on BBC One.
If in need of support, visit the website for Rape Crisis and also contact by calling Rape Crisis's 23/7 support line on 0808 500 2222.
Read more:
- EastEnders winter preview 2023: Chris Clenshaw on Christmas, exits, returns
- 5 EastEnders spoilers next week: Nish learns the truth about Suki and Eve
- EastEnders’ Alfie and Linda plot to force Dean out of Walford after new low
- EastEnders drops dramatic Christmas trailer with violent Kathy Cotton
- EastEnders couple face split after outburst in early BBC iPlayer release
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.
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Authors
Laura Denby is a Freelance Soaps writer covering all the latest news in the Dales, Cobbles and East End for Radio Times. She's a soaps nerd with a love for comedy drama, and has also written for Digital Spy, Metro UK and Yahoo UK.
