After Mick Carter went missing on Christmas Day, broken Linda – who was already struggling with losing him to Janine (Charlie Brooks) – is left devastated. For the first time in a while, Linda is alone, without any support from the love of her life. Unsure how to carry on, Linda must try to find a way to rebuild her life, this time without Mick.

With Ollie and Annie in need of their mother, can Linda battle the ghosts of her past and be there for her children?

Speaking about Linda’s life after Mick, Bright revealed: “Well, let’s just say Linda doesn’t get over this anytime soon. You know, she’s not gonna – Mick is the love of her life.”

The actress teased: “I’m only up to Feb but we’ve just filmed some Valentine’s Day stuff and … there’s a little picture of Mick up behind the bar and I’m wishing you Happy Valentine’s Day. It’s still very … he’s still very present for her in that way.

“I do know a little bit about what’s in store for Linda, but I can’t tell anyone. I’ve only just found out myself which I’m excited about it, which is really good because there was definitely a moment after Danny went where I just thought, ‘Oh, God, it’s so weird here now.’ It’s so weird being like one-half of something almost, you know what I mean? It’s that feeling.”

Meanwhile, executive producer Chris Clenshaw said Linda will remain “at the heart” of Albert Square.

Clenshaw noted: “It’s so great to have Kellie, what can I tease? I mean, as she says, she’s not going to let go of Mick very quickly. She was just reunited with him and then, obviously, he was snatched away from her. So it won’t be all smiles straight away, but there are big plans for Linda.”

He teased that Bright would “shoot something in January” as there is the “kind of anniversary in February and it’s something that we as a show have not done before and Linda is at the centre”.

• Read More: EastEnders boss teases story “not done before” for February anniversary

3. Jack Branning and Denise Fox split?

BBC

Jack Branning and Denise Fox are at breaking point as they struggle to cope with how to support their daughter Amy Mitchell and her mental health struggles. While they both love Amy, their methods to help her cope are causing divisions which could break their marriage beyond repair. And what’s more, there are plenty willing to offer them a shoulder to cry on, should they think of straying…

“Jack and Denise their relationship is going to be tested,” noted Chris Clenshaw. “Someone else is kind of going…weak at Denise (laughs). The question is whether she will resist or she will be tempted?”

Well, it seems Denise will be getting very close to bad boy Ravi Gulati…

4. Lola Pearce and Jay Brown’s happy ending?

BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Time is running out for Lola on account of her terminal cancer, and she’s determined to live life to the full with Jay before it’s too late. However, the tragic reality of Lola’s deteriorating health means every second together is precious.

When a photo from the past pops into her life, it sets her on one final quest – will she find what she’s searching for before it’s too late?

Could this perhaps link to the arrival of Patsy Kensit as Lola’s long-lost mother Emma Harding?

Clenshaw noted: “Patsy Kensit is joining us –  she plays Lola’s mum – so she’ll kind of add a new element to the story.”

5. What does the future hold for Keanu Taylor and Sharon Watts?

BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

When Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) sensationally returned to EastEnders in December 2022, actor Walters confirmed the Taylor lad wants his son, Albie back, but also still has eyes for Sharon (Letitia Dean).

What will the future hold for the steamy pair? And what will Phil Mitchell have to say about their relationship?

We think it is safe to say a complicated crossover of two love triangles Keanu/Sharon/Phil/Kat/Alfie – you work out the realistic combinations!

Teasing the storyline Chris Clenshaw said: “Phil’s back…So Phil and Keanu are kind of going head to head and Kat finds herself in a terrible, terrible situation.”

Will Kat Slater live to regret choosing a life with Phil Mitchell?

• Read More: EastEnders spoilers: Keanu Taylor in danger from Phil ahead of gunshot

6. Big story for Martin Fowler and Stacey Slater as Lily Slater pregnant

BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

At New Year a massive storyline kicks off for Martin Fowler and Stacey Slater and while a lot of it is under wraps, it will really show off the talents of actors James Bye and Lacey Turner.

We think we can now assume that this is related to the shocking pregnancy of their 12-year-old daughter Lily Slater (Lillia Turner).

Actress Lacey Turner has already opened up about the hard-hitting plot and Stacey’s difficult situation.

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw commented: “So, we’ve got a big story for Stacey and Martin that kicks off at New Year. Again, that’s something I don’t really want to say too much about but, you know, Lacey and James Bye are kind of at the centre of that and they obviously shine over Christmas and New Year.”

Could this all lead to a reconciliation for the couple?

Read more:

• EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap?
• EastEnders’ Kellie Bright teases Linda Carter’s future after Mick exit
• Danny Dyer and Kellie Bright react to Mick’s tragic EastEnders exit

Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide, or visit our Soaps hub.

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