EastEnders star Harriet Thorpe responds to sad exit news

EastEnders' Harriet Thorpe has responded to her co-star Kellie Bright's sad exit news. The pair have played beloved mother-daughter duo Elaine Peacock and Linda Carter on the soap since 2023.

Earlier this year, Bright devastated fans by announcing she was departing her role after 13 years. In an Instagram post, she explained it was a "tough decision" but felt it was the "right time" to leave.

As Linda appeared in the New Year's Day flashforward episode, the character will remain on our screens at least until early 2027. But will she ride off into the sunset or could her journey come to a tragic end?

Related: Best streaming services

Despite teasing an "exciting" exit storyline for her on-screen daughter, Thorpe described Bright's departure as a huge "loss" for the show.

"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," she told Bang Showbiz at the 2026 Best Heroes Awards (via Female First)

"But again, that's part of soap story. And throughout history we've been telling these stories."

Linda first arrived in Walford in 2013, where she and her husband Mick were announced as the new owners of The Queen Vic. Relatives of existing character Shirley Carter, it wasn't long before the Carter family made their mark on the Square.

Related: EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy stunned as she interviews Prime Minister

During the last 13 years, Linda has been involved in a number of important storylines, including alcoholism, the murder of Keanu Taylor, Mick's disappearance and being assaulted by Dean Wicks. She recently reignited her romance with lothario Max Branning, who will take centre stage during the festive period.

"When Kellie told us of her decision last year to leave, we already had big plans for Linda, so we were delighted that Kellie agreed to stay on to see them through," said executive producer Ben Wadey.

"We've still got a long way to go before we say goodbye, but I can promise that Kellie's exit storyline will be full of unmissable drama."

EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.

Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage

Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.

The new edition of Legends, a 100-page celebration of Dolly Parton's life, is here. Buy Dolly in newsagents or online.