Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) will return to Albert Square in upcoming episodes of EastEnders ahead of the show’s 40th anniversary.
Beloved character Linda left Walford just before Christmas to go into rehab. She had been completely consumed by her alcohol addiction and was told by mum Elaine (Harriet Thorpe) that if she didn’t sort herself out, she’d be out on the streets.
An episode that allowed Linda to get a glimpse into her future ultimately saw her choose rehab. The scenes saw Linda’s family deal with her death as a result of her addiction, something that pushed her to then tackle the illness head on.
In the coming instalments, Linda will finally return.
She is comforted by her loved ones but has an awful lot to catch up on, given the Knights and Beales are currently trying to find out who attacked Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) on Christmas Day.
Also back in Walford this coming week – at long last – is Grant Mitchell.
Ross will be reprising his role as part of Phil’s (Steve McFadden) mental health storyline.
At the start of the week, Phil is troubled when Sharon (Letitia Dean) tries to convince him to see a doctor. It results in Phil verbally lashing out at his friend, forcing her to leave.
On the day of Honey (Emma Barton) and Billy’s (Perry Fenwick) joint Sten-do, Sharon will struggle to enjoy herself due to worrying about Phil.
When she later realises Phil has gone missing, Sharon orders a search party.
Grant heads back to Walford to try and help his brother (Picture: BBC)
Meanwhile, as Phil’s mental health worsens while alone and he begins to hallucinate, he will act as a bystander to a pivotal moment from his adolescence, prompting the return of Jaime Winstone as the past version of Phil’s mum Peggy.
In reality, Jay (Jamie Borthwick) finds Phil at Number 55. Sharon pushes Phil to talk, but he says he’s absolutely fine.
Later that day, with Sharon and Jay gone, Nigel (Paul Bradley) arrives home with a visitor who he hopes can help Phil at last.
His brother, Grant.
