Kellie Bright seen for first time after it’s revealed she’s QUIT EastEnders – and will leave in dramatic storyline
EASTENDERS star Kellie Bright has been spotted for the first time since the news dropped that she’s quitting the BBC soap.
Actress Kellie – who has played Linda Carter for 13 years – was seen out and about after the news of her shock departure broke.
Unlike her much-loved soap character, Kellie kept it fresh and went au natural as she headed out in the sunshine.
Wearing no make-up, with her blonde hair pulled back off her face in a low ponytail, the Albert Square beauty dressed down and exuded comfy, casual chic.
While fans are used to seeing Linda dressed to the nines, the actress rocked a simple white vest top, with knee-length blue denim shorts and brown sandals.
She accessorised with a brown cross-body handbag as she picked up some shopping from M&S.
The mum-of-three explained that while she has “absolutely loved being part of the show” it’s the “right time’ to say goodbye“.
The 50-year-old said: “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, but agreed to extend my stay because of an exciting storyline.
“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.”
A source close to EastEnders told The Sun on Sunday: “Kellie feels it is time to see what is on the outside.
“But everyone will be hoping Linda will return one day. It’s believed the door is being left open.”
Although fans are devastated at the news she’s leaving the BBC serial, they are convinced that show legend Danny Dyer will “return from the dead” to mark her departure.
However, it is not known if bosses will ask Danny, 49, to return for her exit.
Kellie arrived in Albert Square with on-screen husband Mick in 2013 to take over the Queen Vic pub.
Danny left three years ago but Kellie was keen to continue Linda’s story.
Golden couple Mick and Linda were torn apart in 2022 when Mick disappeared at sea while trying to save her.
Mick’s body was never found after he jumped off the cliff leaving fans hopeful of a brief return in time for her departure.
In 2024, Danny joked at the NTAs that EastEnders should ‘bring Mick back’, and the audience cheered the sentiment.
Linda has been a huge part of the soap since she first arrived.
She was at the centre of The Six plot, in which Linda was revealed as Keanu Taylor’s killer on Christmas Day 2023 following the gripping flash-forward episode.
She tried to save her best friend Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) when she was being strangled by Keanu (Danny Walters).
When she killed him with a meat thermometer, the group framed her rapist Dean Wicks after he returned to the square.
Over the years she has suffered from a variety of illnesses and disorders which include bulimia, alcoholism, and a secret battle with cervical cancer.