Fans of EastEnders are in for a surprise tonight, but not the kind they were expecting. Kellie Bright — best known for her long-running role

as Linda Carter — is returning to TV screens, though not as the feisty landlady of The Queen Vic. Instead, the beloved actress will be

appearing in a brand-new project outside of EastEnders, leaving fans both thrilled and curious about what this means for Linda’s future in Walford.

Kellie Bright has been one of the most recognizable faces on EastEnders since her debut in 2013. Over the years, Linda Carter has been through some of the soap’s most emotional and turbulent storylines — from her battles with alcoholism and her relationship with Mick Carter (Danny Dyer), to heartbreaking family drama and tragic losses. Her powerful performances have earned her multiple awards and a loyal fanbase that has followed her every twist and turn.

But tonight, viewers will get to see a completely different side of Kellie. The actress is stepping away from Walford’s drama for a while to take on a new television project that showcases her versatility and depth beyond the iconic Carter matriarch. BBC producers have confirmed that Kellie will make her return to the small screen in a special feature airing tonight, marking her first major appearance outside EastEnders in quite some time.

The details of the show have been kept under wraps until recently, but teasers suggest that it’s a heartfelt drama that will allow Kellie to flex her acting muscles in a fresh, emotionally rich role. Unlike Linda Carter — a character defined by her strength, vulnerability, and fierce love for her family — Kellie’s new role is said to explore themes of redemption, second chances, and the quiet pain of rebuilding a life after loss.

For fans, this marks an exciting moment. Many have been vocal on social media about missing Linda’s presence in EastEnders in recent weeks. Following her departure from Walford in a recent storyline, which saw Linda struggling to come to terms with her son Johnny’s sudden move abroad and the ghosts of her past, her absence has left a noticeable void in the Carter family dynamic.

However, Kellie’s return to TV — even in a different setting — has sparked speculation about when Linda might be back in Albert Square. Inside sources have hinted that her break from EastEnders is only temporary, and that writers are preparing a “major comeback” storyline for Linda later this year. The upcoming plot is rumored to center around the aftermath of Dean Wicks’ return and the emotional reckoning it brings for Linda, who has long been haunted by her past with him.