EastEnders star Kellie Bright has opened up about her relationship with former co-star Danny Dyer, revealing that she doesn't miss him too much following his departure from the BBC soap four years ago. The actress, who played Linda Carter opposite Dyer's Mick Carter, shared this surprising admission during a recent public appearance.
On-Screen Partnership and Off-Screen Friendship
Kellie Bright and Danny Dyer portrayed one of EastEnders' most memorable couples, Linda and Mick Carter, from their debut in 2020 until their characters' dramatic separation in 2022. Despite their characters' tumultuous journey through alcoholism, infidelity, and ultimately divorce, Bright confirms that their real-life friendship remains strong.
"Danny and I are still firm friends," Bright told the Mirror at the TV Choice Awards. "So, I still speak to him all the time. So I don't miss him as much."
The Carter Family Saga
The Carter storyline saw Linda struggle with alcoholism before having a child with Walford's notorious love rat Max Branning, played by Jake Wood. Meanwhile, Mick found himself drawn to soap villain Janine Butcher, portrayed by Charlie Brooks, which ultimately led to his dramatic exit from the show.
Mick Carter's departure storyline saw him disappear at sea after Linda exposed Janine's numerous wrongdoings, including her responsibility for Linda's car crash. His body was never recovered, leaving Linda devastated and fans wondering about his fate.
Dream Crossover and Character Returns
Looking to the future, Kellie Bright has expressed her desire for EastEnders to collaborate with a globally recognized show. "I'd like to see EastEnders work with Stranger Things," she exclaimed enthusiastically. "And have an 'Upside Down' Walford for all the dead people. And then we can have all those amazing characters back telling you something."
This wouldn't be the first time EastEnders has resurrected characters presumed dead. The soap has a notable history of bringing back fan favorites through creative plot devices:
- Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) returned in 2015 after being presumed dead since 2006, with the revelation that she had faked her own death
- Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) made a shocking return in 2023 despite apparently dying during childbirth in 1998, having actually entered witness protection
- Angie Watts (Anita Dobson) returned last year, nearly four decades after her character's departure from the soap
Current Soap Landscape
The revelation comes during an interesting period for British soaps, which have recently experimented with crossovers. ITV soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street joined forces for the first time in an explosive episode, while Channel 4 treated viewers to a crossover between Hollyoaks and Brookside, both set in neighbouring cities Liverpool and Chester.
Kellie Bright continues to be a central figure in EastEnders, with her character Linda Carter navigating life after Mick's disappearance. The actress's comments provide insight into the enduring friendships that develop behind the scenes of long-running television dramas, even when on-screen relationships come to an end.
