EastEnders star Kellie Bright leaves BBC soap after 13 years

 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".

Wadey, the executive producer of the soap, said: "Kellie has been at the beating heart of EastEnders for the past 13 years, and her characterisation of the fiercely loveable, protective and brilliant Linda Carter has made her a favourite amongst viewers."

"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 debuted on the soap in 2013, with Linda being introduced as the on-screen partner of Danny Dyer's Mick. The couple ran The Queen Vic for several years, though Dyer exited the soap in 2022.

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.

Home and Away in the UK, the boys’ adventure getaway ends in disaster, when Levi plunges off a cliff deep in the wilderness!

 

Cash (Nicholas Cartwright) won the outdoor adventure experience at last week’s surf club fundraiser and quickly recruited Mali (Kyle Shilling) and Tane (Ethan Browne) to join him.

His final invitation went to brother-in-law Levi (Tristan Gorey), but only after Eden (Stephanie Panozzo) encouraged Cash to include him. Levi was initially delighted to be asked, until he overheard the others discussing the fact that he was merely a pity invite.

Humiliated, Levi vowed that he would still attend—and beat Cash at every activity on offer.

As the four men prepare to set off next week, it’s clear that Levi hasn’t forgotten his promise. He tells Mali that Cash may have invited him out of sympathy, but it’ll be Cash everyone feels sorry for by the end of the trip.

Mali insists that the reason behind the invitation no longer matters and hopes they can all enjoy themselves, but Levi is already treating the getaway as a chance to prove who comes out on top.

Cash is equally unwilling to back down. When Tane warns him that Levi is determined to turn the weekend into a head-to-head contest, Cash dismisses the threat and wonders what a surgeon could possibly beat him at.

Their bickering continues as they load the car outside the surf club, prompting Tane and Mali to make a last-minute change of plan. Rather than spend the long drive trapped between the two rivals, they decide to travel separately and leave Cash and Levi to enjoy some extra “bonding time” together.

That doesn’t go particularly well, with the brothers-in-law already fighting over the music before they’ve made it out of the car park.

By the time they reach the adventure centre, Cash and Levi are firmly getting on each other’s nerves and ready to prove who’s superior.

The rivalry carries over into their first activity, with Levi challenging Cash to a wager during the archery.

Despite having little experience with a bow, Levi is confident that the concentration and precision required in his work as a surgeon will give him an advantage.

His confidence is justified when he lands a bullseye, before distracting Cash with a stream of unwanted advice as he attempts his own shot.

Cash fails to match him, giving Levi the early lead and plenty of ammunition for further gloating.

However, Cash soon fights back during the tree-ropes course. As Levi struggles to beat Cash’s impressive time, he loses his footing, causing Cash to take the win.

With neither man willing to concede defeat, Mali and Tane are left wondering how long the rivalry will continue.

Their final activity forces the pair to change approach when Mali and Tane team up for laser tag, leaving Cash and Levi with no choice but to play together.

Although neither is pleased by the arrangement, the unlikely partnership proves surprisingly effective once the game begins.

Cash and Levi put their differences aside, work together and emerge victorious, with the shared success finally allowing them to enjoy one another’s company.

Buoyed by the day’s activities, Cash suggests that they extend the getaway rather than returning to Summer Bay as planned. He proposes hiring some camping equipment and heading further into the wilderness for an overnight hike.

Mali is immediately keen, whilst Levi has no reason to hurry home as he remains on leave from the hospital.

Tane decides not to join them, explaining that he needs to get back to Archie, leaving Cash, Mali and Levi to continue without him.

Mali is confident that Cash and Levi’s laser-tag victory has brought their rivalry to an end, but the teasing soon resumes as the three men complete the first part of their trek and stop to set up camp.

Cash offers to help Levi pitch his tent, joking that they wouldn’t want the surgeon damaging his hands or developing calluses.

Mali joins in by questioning whether Levi has ever done anything more adventurous than glamping, but both men are surprised by his response.

Levi reveals that he previously worked with Doctors Without Borders, spending plenty of time in remote locations where sleeping in medical tents was a regular part of life.

As the men settle in for the evening, Levi shares stories from his time working overseas and offers a glimpse of the life he led before coming to Summer Bay, including having to deal with a crocodile whilst operating on a patient in a tent in Peru!

Levi’s stories keeping them talking late into the night, though by the following morning, the reality of their ambitious hike begins to set in.

Levi is the first awake and initially mocks Cash and Mali for sleeping in, but his mood changes when he studies the trail ahead.

They’ve covered far less distance than expected and still have a long journey before the route begins looping back towards their car. With Cash due at work the next day, Levi questions whether they should abandon the hike and retrace their steps before they end up spending another night in the bush.

Cash refuses to turn around after they’ve already come this far, and confidently insists that they can complete the trail in time. Levi remains unconvinced, but eventually agrees to continue as the three men pack away their campsite and set off once again.

Determined to prove that he can keep up, Levi strides ahead of Cash and Mali through the hot sun.

He calls back to mock the others for falling behind, enjoying his chance to take the lead after spending much of the trip defending his outdoor credentials.

Levi eventually reaches a cliff edge and pauses to take in the spectacular view stretching out before him.

He calls for Cash and Mali to hurry up, unaware that the ground beneath his feet is dangerously unstable.

Suddenly, the earth begins to crumble.

Before Levi even has time to react, the ground gives way completely and he screams out as he plunges over the edge.

Cash and Mali race towards the cliff in horror, frantically calling his name as they peer down the rock face.

Some distance below, Levi lies unconscious on a ledge, completely out of their reach.

With the men deep in the wilderness and hours from the nearest help, will Cash and Mali be able to save Levi before it’s too late?

Home and Away is available to stream from 6am weekdays, with double bill episodes airing from 6pm on 5Star.

Home and Away in the UK, Dana begins planning a surprise proposal, unaware that Sonny’s secret is about to ruin her romantic plans.

 

Sonny (Ryan Bown) has secretly become dependent on the steroids supplied by Beau (Blake Richardson) as he pushes himself to recover from the train crash.

But with Sonny’s limited funds, Beau has now ordered him to start selling pills himself in return for keeping his own supply flowing, forcing Sonny to hide even more from Dana.

Completely unaware of what he’s caught up in, Dana (Ally Harris) begins thinking seriously about their future next week, when she reluctantly claims the fishing lesson she won at the surf club fundraiser.

She had only bid on Alf’s (Ray Meagher) donated prize to support the event and initially hopes to avoid taking it up, but his enthusiasm soon wins her over.

Dana is out of her element when they first head onto the beach, yet once they’re settled on their stools overlooking Baywater, she begins to appreciate the peace and quiet.

As they talk, Alf asks how Sonny’s recovery is progressing.

Dana proudly explains how hard he’s been working, prompting Alf to reflect on his own long-distance marriage to Martha (Belinda Giblin).

He urges her not to take what she and Sonny have for granted and encourages her to seize the day.

By the end of the lesson, Dana is surprised by how much she has enjoyed herself.

Although they haven’t caught anything, she realises that fishing is as much about slowing down and enjoying the company as it is about what ends up on the hook.

Back at the surf club, John (Shane Withington) reveals that the winner of his free celebrancy package has pulled out. Dana laughs off his suggestion that she and Sonny could use it, but Alf’s words have already planted the idea.

The following day, Dana confides in Harper (Jessica Redmayne), who’s delighted to learn that her sister is considering popping the question.

Before committing to anything, however, Dana wants reassurance that Sonny sees the same future she does.

Unfortunately, Beau has arranged for Sonny to meet a new client at the gym, with Dana unknowingly disrupting the deal by accompanying him to his session.

As Sonny works out, Dana steers the conversation towards their future.

Riddled with guilt over everything he’s hiding, Sonny admits that it’s all he thinks about, convincing her they’re on the same page.

Their conversation is interrupted when Beau’s client, Declan (Alexander Cortedano), approaches and calls Sonny by his name, forcing him to pretend he’s got the wrong guy.

Meanwhile, Beau suggests another romantic night alone with Harper. Referencing their recent getaway, he proposes dinner in Yabbie Creek and hints that it would be good to spend some time together without Archie.

Harper is reluctant to leave her son, but Beau presses the idea and Marilyn (Emily Symons) agrees to babysit overnight.

As Harper drops off Archie’s things, Beau follows her movements through their location tracking app and becomes agitated when she travels further than he’d expected.

After hearing that Sonny failed to make the sale, Beau confronts him. Sonny explains that Dana followed him to the gym, but Beau angrily reminds him that he hasn’t sold anything yet.

Harper soon sees the same volatile side when she returns home. Beau demands to know where she’s been and accuses her of lying because the app showed her on the other side of town.

Harper explains that she drove Marilyn home with Archie and the travel cot, but Beau insists that he needs to know where she is at all times.

When Harper suggests deleting the app, he snaps and grabs her wrist.

His grip tightens when Harper tries to pull away, and he refuses to let go until she promises to keep the app installed, leaving her bruised.

Beau later fetches an ice pack and apologises, but also suggests Harper could have avoided the confrontation by updating him.

Shaken, Harper cancels their dinner and asks Beau to leave. Once she’s alone, she breaks down in tears.

At the same time, Remi (Adam Rowland) realises his missing credit card has been taken by Sonny. He arrives whilst Beau is berating him, but Sonny covers by claiming they were arguing over how little he helps out around the apartment.

When confronted, Sonny reluctantly hands back the card and points out that Remi is wealthy enough not to miss the money. Remi insists that isn’t the point—he won’t bankroll Sonny’s steroid use.

Sonny later runs into Leah (Ada Nicodemou) whilst lingering at the gym in the hope of making a sale, but unfortunately for him, Leah’s in busybody mode.

When she questions why he’s there without his workout gear, he claims that he’s waiting for a friend, but his evasive manner leaves her suspicious.

When Leah later finds Remi talking to Justin (James Stewart) about his mounting concerns, she mentions Sonny’s strange behaviour at the gym.

Remi arrives at the gym just as Beau confronts Sonny over his failure to complete any deals.

Beau takes back the steroids he’d given Sonny to sell and refuses to replenish his personal supply, leaving Remi to witness the exchange from nearby.

Furious, Remi confronts Sonny and discovers that Beau has been supplying his steroids and using his dependency to force him into dealing.

The following morning, Remi confronts Beau and warns that he’ll tell Harper everything unless Sonny is released from their arrangement. Beau agrees to cut him loose—but only if Remi pays him half a million dollars!

Later, Beau tries to collect Archie from Marilyn, who refuses to hand him over without Harper’s permission. Harper arrives and quickly takes her son to Tane (Ethan Browne), but Beau follows her using the tracking app.

Harper points to her bruised wrist and warns that she has heard countless promises that violence will never happen again. Beau blames his jealousy on previous relationships, declares that he loves her and promises to change.

He invites Harper and Archie to stay at his home so he can prove himself, and she reluctantly agrees to give him another chance.

When Remi reports back to Sonny, Sonny is horrified that he approached Beau at all. He explains that he only agreed to sell the steroids because he thought it would stop Beau trying to get his hands on Remi’s money.

Remi isn’t worried about losing his cash—he’s concerned about what Beau is doing to Sonny. When he urges him to walk away by giving up the steroids, Sonny finally admits that he can’t stop.

Every improvement makes him feel closer to regaining his former body and independence, and he’s desperate to stop relying on Dana and Remi.

Sonny eventually agrees to accept Remi’s help and accompanies him to the hospital. However, he’s already searching for an excuse to leave when Dana messages asking him to meet her at the surf club that evening.

Remi insists that confronting his steroid use has to come first and promises to support him through it.

Unaware of the crisis unfolding, Dana recreates the night she and Sonny first played pool together.

Wearing the same outfit, she decorates the surf club with candles and arranges the balls so that the message “Marry me Sonny” will be revealed when he breaks.

Before Sonny can receive any help, another demanding message arrives from Beau. He gets up to leave, but Remi warns that if he walks away now, he’ll be on his own from then on.

Sonny goes regardless and meets Beau, who orders him to deal with two clients whilst he and Harper go away together. Harper reminds Sonny that Dana is waiting for him, but he still fails to show up.

Dana eventually abandons the proposal and returns home, where Sonny claims he was too tired to meet her. Hurt by his defensive response, she keeps her plans to herself.

The following morning, Dana tells John that there may not be another attempt, as she’s no longer sure Sonny is as committed to their future as she believed…

Home and Away is available to stream from 6am weekdays, with double bill episodes airing from 6pm on 5Star.

Here are the full spoilers for next week’s Home and Away episodes in the UK:

Monday 10th August (Episode 8757)

Abigail drums up a girls’ night.

Justin puts his foot in it.

David’s eyes are opened.

Tuesday 11th August (Episode 8758)

Alf and Dana go fishing.

David is given food for thought.

Lacey comes one step closer to acceptance.

Wednesday 12th August (Episode 8759)

Beau snaps at Sonny.

Cash and Levi go head-to-head.

Are Dana and Sonny on the same page?

Thursday 13th August (Episode 8760)

Harper gets a glimpse of Beau’s true colours.

Remi confronts Sonny.

Cash and Levi team up.

Friday 14th August (Episode 8761)

The boys go bush.

Beau begs for another chance.

Dana has big plans.

Remi bows out.