EastEnders has aired a clue as to who could save Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) from her alcoholism battle.
The Queen Vic landlady suffered a relapse last month, turning to the bottle once again after Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) returned to the Square, serving to remind her of her guilt at killing Bernie’s brother Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) last Christmas.
The latest episode of the BBC soap saw Linda get drunk at her mother Elaine Peacock’s (Harriet Thorpe) wedding reception, after she tied the knot with George Knight (Colin Salmon).
While she had managed to remain sober for the ceremony, a tipsy Linda then made a speech about the happy couple to a packed-out Queen Vic.
The rambling monologue saw her share some genuine affection for stepfather George and his daughters Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna (Molly Rainford).
However, she risked her mother’s wrath when she then revealed to everyone about last week’s bombshell concerning her late father.
Fans saw Linda learn that Elaine had hidden the fact her dad John was gay and before his death, had been in a relationship with a man named Drew – who Elaine came face-to-face with at her hen do when he was booked as the event’s drag queen.
There were giggles as Linda revealed the truth to the punters, but Elaine stopped short of berating her daughter for exposing her secret.
Linda’s son Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) then began speaking to Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) who asked about his mum’s drinking.
Phil – who has battled his own demons with alcohol in the past – looked deeply concerned as Johnny confirmed to him she was back on the booze again.
With Phil having been Linda’s sponsor in the past, will he step in again to save her from herself?
Either way, it looks set to be another big Christmas for Linda, who it’s thought will take centre stage in A Christmas Carol-inspired episode, as ghosts of festive past return to haunt the Square…
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on Player.
