Kellie Bright, the beloved actress behind EastEnders' fiery Linda Carter, has candidly shared the emotional struggles she faces while filming dramatic scenes for the long-running BBC soap.
In a heartfelt interview, the 47-year-old star admitted that some storylines leave her feeling "completely drained", particularly those involving high-stakes drama or personal trauma for her character.
The Emotional Weight of Playing Linda Carter
Bright explained how she prepares for emotionally demanding scenes: "There are days when I go home and just need to decompress. Playing Linda isn't just about remembering lines - it's about carrying her pain, her joy, her entire emotional world."
The actress revealed that certain storylines have affected her more than others, particularly those involving:
- Domestic abuse plotlines
- Linda's struggles with alcoholism
- Maternal story arcs
- Scenes of intense grief
Finding Balance Between Work and Home Life
Bright credits her family with helping her maintain perspective: "When I walk through my front door, I make a conscious effort to leave Linda at work. My children especially help ground me in reality."
The actress also shared some of her coping mechanisms:
- Practicing mindfulness techniques
- Maintaining a strict separation between work and home
- Regular exercise to relieve stress
- Open communication with castmates about difficult scenes
Despite the challenges, Bright remains passionate about her role: "It's a privilege to tell these important stories, even when they're tough. If our performances help even one viewer going through similar situations, it's all worth it."
