Harriet Thorpe has described Kellie Bright's departure from EastEnders as a 'huge loss' for the show, following the announcement that Bright will leave her role as Linda Carter after 13 years.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz at the 2026 Best Heroes Awards, the Elaine Peacock actress was asked if she would describe Kellie's leaving as a loss. She replied: 'Of course it is. And people who have been involved in identifying with all her journeys, of course it's going to be a loss with the family. But again, that's part of soap story. And throughout history we've been telling these stories.'
Kellie Bright's decision to leave
Kellie Bright announced her decision to call time on her soap run, saying: '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 explained: '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.'
Charlie Suff also leaving
Also set to leave is Elaine's on-screen grandson and Linda's son, Johnny Carter, with actor Charlie Suff being axed to coincide with his mum's exit.
Charlie Suff told Radio Times: 'There's a lot in store for the guys. It's very dramatic. It's all part of the big autumn drama, and yeah, there's lots in store for the guys.' Admitting his sadness at his time on the show wrapping up, he said: 'It's gutting, I absolutely love being a part of the show. I love everyone in it. I love the crew. I love the team. It's been an amazing thing to be part of.'
Flamingo tribute and Carter family return
After the announcement, Kellie uploaded a video to Instagram thanking fans for their warm response. She joked: 'Shall we talk about the elephant in the room? Or should I say, flamingo?' while pulling out a knitted flamingo, her alter-ego's favourite animal.
She added: 'I just wanted to do a little thank you message to everyone that sent some love to Linda's way when you heard about the announcement of me leaving. It really means so much and I just wanted to acknowledge it and say thank you for your lovely comments and messages. Linda hearts you back. Flamingos forever.'
To coincide with her exit, EastEnders has reintroduced her missing children, Lee and Nancy (Danny Hatchard and Maddy Hill), kicking off a surrogacy plot with Nancy carrying Lee and partner Jess' baby, though things have become increasingly strained between the couple, with Lee planning to raise the child alone.
Ben Wadey promised that the return of the Carter kids will feed into a dramatic exit plot for Linda: 'Linda Carter is one of the all time great EastEnders characters, so losing her is such a big moment to the show and we wanted to make sure we see Linda at her best in her final few months. We will be welcoming Lee and Nancy back for a period in a story where I guarantee your jaws will drop when you see it. We are absolutely thrilled to have Maddy and Danny back in Walford, bringing two much-loved pieces of the Carter family back together. And whilst Linda is delighted to have her children all together again, she's got a lot to catch up on…'
