Kellie Bright to exit EastEnders after 13 years

Actress Kellie Bright has confirmed she will be leaving the BBC soap opera EastEnders after 13 years. Bright, who portrays the character Linda Carter, stated that she made the difficult decision to depart over a year ago but agreed to stay longer to participate in an "exciting storyline" developed by producers Kate Oates and Ben Wadey.

Bright expressed her affection for the show, noting, "EastEnders has been my home for thirteen years and 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." She added that she looks forward to her next chapter and spending more time with her family.

Executive producer Ben Wadey described Bright as an "EastEnders icon" who has been at the "beating heart" of the series. He teased that while her exit is planned, the production team has more time before the departure, promising that the exit storyline "will be full of unmissable drama."