EastEnders' Linda Carter makes frightening decision in early iPlayer release

EastEnders spoilers follow for Wednesday’s episode (11 November), which is available to watch now on streaming service BBC iPlayer but hasn’t yet aired on TV.

EastEnders’ Linda Carter makes a frightening decision today, as she informs her loved ones about her husband Mick’s fate. This week, Linda came face to face with former love rival Janine Butcher after she discovered that Mick’s body had been found. However, Janine revealed that Mick didn’t drown four years ago and had died of a heart attack two weeks ago.

When Linda and Max later found Janine at a nearby crematorium with a coffin, they grew suspicious that it wasn’t Mick inside. But Linda couldn’t face opening the coffin, so she left and asked Max to instead. Janine then admitted that the whole thing was a scam.

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Janine suggested to Max that it may be beneficial to him to keep the truth from Linda, so Max lied to his partner and claimed that it was Mick's body in the coffin.

In today’s episode, after spending the night at Max’s flat, Linda returns to Peacock Palace and gathers Lee, Nancy and Johnny. She then tells her three children the shocking news about their father.

After the stunned Carter kids leave, Linda breaks down in tears and is comforted by her concerned mum. She unpacks some alcohol in the B&B and is triggered, so decides to head out to clear her head.

Johnny finds Lee in the Square, encouraging his brother to go easy on their mum, and the pair have an emotional conversation about not getting to say goodbye to their dad.

Meanwhile, Linda thanks Max for his support during this difficult time, but his guilt continues to grow. Linda is then concerned to spot Nancy on the roof of The Vic, so she heads up to see her daughter.

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Devastated Nancy reflects on her relationship with her dad, with Linda assuring her that Mick loved her. However, she is unable to explain why he never returned home to his family.

Later, Zack heads to check on Nancy on the roof, and they decide to get food together - but at that moment, her waters break.

Across the Square, grieving Linda comes close to relapsing but is distracted by a call from Nicola, who tells her that Lee is out of control at Harry’s Barn.

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Linda and Max show up to take home drunken Lee, who is picking a fight with Vicki and Ross. Outside, Lee speaks badly about his dad while clutching a bottle. He then suggests that it’s ultimately Linda’s fault that Mick is dead.

Linda then reaches breaking point, and decides to self-destruct alongside her son. She takes the bottle from Lee and threatens to drink. Will Linda relapse - and will the guilt get too much for Max?

Alcohol Change UK offers information, advice and support with their questions about drinking and the problems that can sometimes be caused by alcohol. For more information, visit Alcohol Change UK's website.

Drinkline also offers free, confidential advice to anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else's drinking on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).

Readers can also contact Drinkaware.

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.