EastEnders spoilers: Lauren Branning and Kathy Beale in almighty clash with drunk Linda Carter as the end of the line looms
It is safe to say that The Six are struggling in the wake of Christmas Day’s events in EastEnders, and none more so than killer Linda Carter (Kellie Bright).
Since stabbing Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) and helping to hide his body, Linda’s drinking has steadily grown out of control once more, and in upcoming scenes her fellow Albert Square residents are set to notice just how bad things are getting.
‘She has been leaning into her alcoholism and I think it’s safe to say that she’s drinking every day to numb herself. I don’t think she’s coping. I think if anything, she is looking for things to make her feel better and not necessarily in the right places,’ actress Kellie Bright explained.
‘Linda is carrying a huge amount of guilt. Not just for what she’s done to Keanu, but also what she’s doing to all of these other women.
‘Kathy’s had to put Rocky in jail. Sharon’s disappeared and as far as Linda is concerned, she hates her. Stacey keeps on telling her to pull herself together and she can’t, and Linda knows that the last thing Stacey wants is to end up in prison.
‘Denise is losing her grip on reality and Suki is having to deal with Nish, and hand over everything she has ever worked for. I think she’s watching everyone disintegrate and Linda is so laden with the responsibility and guilt for all of them.’
On top of all that, the return of Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) to Albert Square starts Linda on an immediate downward spiral as her guilt and panic continues to mount.
‘Being faced with Keanu’s mother is probably about the worst thing that could happen to Linda, especially on the day that she arrives. I think she finds the whole encounter absolutely unbearable and it just pushes her further and further towards the edge.’
Though she tries to hide that she is well and truly off the wagon, it isn’t long before Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) spots her secretly drinking in the Queen Vic – moments before Karen arrives demanding an audience with her over the events of Christmas Day.
Realising just how bad things are getting, Linda assures Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) that she plans to stay off the booze – though this doesn’t last long.
When Lauren catches her with a bag of hidden wine from the Minute Mart, she swoops in and offers to look after Annie, whisking her away before Linda has the chance to object.
However, Lauren isn’t the only one concerned, and as Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) interrupts, Linda tries to hide her wine, though it is too late.
A vicious row soon explodes between the pair, with things getting so heated that even Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) is forced to intervene.
Furious Kathy and Lauren warn Linda to sober up, but she simply makes her excuses and heads to The Albert.
As cracks form between members of The Six, could their secret be set to be uncovered?
