The actor will bid farewell to Albert Square.
EastEnders star Kellie Bright has confirmed that she is leaving the BBC soap after 13 years in the role of Linda Carter, with the popular actor saying that it was the "right time" to depart the series.
"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," said Bright via the soap's Instagram page, before adding that she made the "tough" decision "over a year ago".
"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," added the star, who agreed to stay longer after producers Kate Oates and Ben Wadey had developed an "exciting storyline".
"Kellie has been involved in some of the show's most explosive and iconic storylines, and everyone at EastEnders will miss Kellie and Linda dearly," added the producer, who called the actor an "EastEnders icon".
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. 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," he teased.
Several fans expressed their shock at the news in the comment section on the post, with one writing: "No wayyy Linda was the reason I started re-watching a few years ago when Mick died."
"Kellie, it has been the biggest joy in my life watching you, I've grown up seeing you on my screen, you've been utterly brilliant in every single storyline," wrote another viewer, who described Linda as an "iconic character".
Bright isn't the first big-name departure from the soap this year, with it being reported last month that Michelle Ryan was due to depart later this year. The actor had reprised her role as Zoe Slater last year, but her comeback has been short-lived.
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