Mick Carter, the beloved Queen Vic landlord played by Danny Dyer, vanished on Christmas Day 2022 after diving into the freezing sea to save Linda Carter from drowning. He never resurfaced, and no body was found, leaving Linda devastated and fans wondering if he could still be alive.
Mick's history on Albert Square
Mick first appeared in 2013 as the new owner of the Queen Vic. Over nine years, he was central to major storylines, including son Johnny's coming out, the revelation of his true parentage, and the discovery that Linda's rapist Dean Wicks was his brother. His final months saw his marriage to Linda collapse, and he ended up marrying Janine Butcher, leading to his watery downfall.
Presumed dead, but hope remains
Later scenes seemed to confirm Mick's death when Linda received his 'Presumption of Death' certificate. However, in December 2023, Linda got a text from an unknown number claiming to be Mick, but it turned out to be a trick by Dean Wicks.
Potential return
Producer Chris Clenshaw acknowledged Danny Dyer's time on the soap has ended for now but noted the door is open. He said on Loose Women in February 2023: 'It's a soap, anything can happen! There's an unwritten rule – there wasn't a body so there's every chance, will Mick rock back up in Walford in a few years covered in seaweed?'
Danny Dyer has also said he would be open to returning, joking on The Jonathan Ross Show: 'If [my career] goes t**s up, I can go back. I can turn up in three years' time, walk in the Queen Vic smothered in seaweed…' In 2024, he hinted at the NTAs that EastEnders should 'bring Mick back', and ahead of the show's 40th anniversary, he told KISS Breakfast: 'I've chucked it out there. I think I need to go back and save my wife Linda, who's now become a murderess.'
Linda's exit and possible reunion
Kellie Bright, who plays Linda, announced her departure after 13 years. 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.'
With Danny suggesting Mick could return to help Linda after she killed Keanu Taylor, fans hope for a happy ending for the couple.
