EastEnders fans are convinced the funeral Janine Butcher and Linda Carter clash at is Mick Carter's, not Zoe Slater's, after spotting a key detail in leaked set images. Pictures show Charlie Brooks, who plays Janine, returning to the soap to attend a funeral, where she is spotted by Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), who looks furious to see her.
Some had guessed the funeral could be Zoe Slater's (Michelle Ryan), as Michelle is set to leave the show and has reportedly been killed off. But another set of leaked funeral pictures shows the Slater family with a different casket. The images featuring Janine and Linda show a standard wooden casket, while the Slater pictures show a cream, woven casket with white and yellow flowers on top.
Fans point to Mick Carter's body being found
As Kellie Bright is set to leave the show, fans believe the person being buried will be someone known to both women – their husband Mick Carter (Danny Dyer). In 2022, Janine and Linda's car crashed into the sea and Mick dove in to help them out. He rescued Janine and went back in for Linda, who rescued herself. Mick was never seen again, and his death has never been confirmed to viewers.
One fan pointed out that if Mick's body were found and laid to rest, Janine would likely be called. "I wouldn't be surprised if Janine's at the church visiting Mick's grave. Janine was Mick's next of kin." Meanwhile, Linda shared four children with Mick, meaning she would likely be informed as well.
Fans spot two coffins in leaked images
Another fan added: "There is two coffins? So presumably 2 funerals? Yeah Mick's body is definitely found and that's what Linda and Janine are there for." A third agreed: "So it definitely isn't Zoe's funeral that Janine's at since the coffins are different. I wonder if it actually is Mick's body? It makes sense to finalise that chapter in Linda's life before she leaves."
Kellie Bright's exit and Janine's return
Kellie Bright is quitting EastEnders after 13 years on the soap. When announcing her exit, she said: "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."
"I made the tough decision over a year ago, and after discussing this with Kate Oates and Ben Wadey, they asked me to stay on to be part of an exciting storyline they had planned, and I happily agreed to extend my stay. 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."
Janine was last seen on the show in December 2022, bowing out at the same time as Danny Dyer. She was sentenced to five years behind bars for her role in Mick's disappearance. She is set to return, reportedly only for a set of guest episodes.
