Sharp-eyed EastEnders fans have noticed the BBC soap has quietly recast a major returning character, with many speculating they've uncovered the dramatic reason behind the switch.
A Family's Shocking Return
This week's spoilers confirmed that Linda Carter, played by Kellie Bright, is arriving back in Walford with her children after months away on a cruise. First-look pictures show Linda with kids Ollie and Annie, looking horrified at something off-camera. Her return is set to be explosive, coinciding with the comeback of her ex-lover, Max Branning (Jake Wood).
The Subtle Recast Sparking Fan Theories
However, viewers quickly spotted a change. The role of Linda's young daughter, Annie, has been given to a new child actor. The character was previously played by Savannah Keir from 2022 until 2023, but has been rarely seen on screen in recent years.
The new actress portraying Annie now has distinctive ginger hair, a detail that has sent fans into a frenzy of speculation on social media. The dominant theory is that the recast is a deliberate move to visually underscore Annie's paternity.
Annie is the product of Linda's past affair with Max Branning, and fans believe her new look makes her resemblance to her father unmistakable. This sets the stage for major drama as Max is poised to return to Albert Square.
Social Media Reacts to the Change
Fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their thoughts on the recast and its potential implications for the storyline.
"Max is gonna clock it straight away," one viewer predicted. Another exclaimed, "OMG A RECAST ANNIE I AM LOSING MY MIND She literally looks like Max. HELP! #EastEnders."
A third fan tweeted, "Max Branning when he sees Linda's daughter Annie for the first time and realises she looks like him #eastenders." Meanwhile, a fourth noted, "Aw I liked it when she was Linda’s double. It’ll be hard to ignore for Max now her hair’s turned red."
Some expressed nostalgia for the previous actor, with one writing, "Noooo they’ve recast Annie, the previous one was so cute tho #EastEnders."
Other Albert Square Exits
The recast news comes in a week of significant changes for the soap. Molly Rainford and Bobby Brazier have departed, with their characters Anna Knight and Freddie Slater leaving Walford for travels in Australia and South Asia.
Following her final scenes, Molly Rainford reflected on Instagram, stating the episode got her a "lil emosh" but added "no one goes travelling forever." She paid tribute to the cast and crew, calling them "a family" and thanking fans for their support.
