Linda Carter’s alcohol addiction is taking a toll on the fan favourite, prompting EastEnders viewers to beg those closest to her to take action before it’s too late.

EastEnders fans are growing increasingly concerned for Linda Carter, particularly as some of her nearest and dearest appear too distracted to even help her.

Kellie Bright was back on BBC One this Monday (June 10, 2024) as her on-screen alter ego continued her downward spiral. While she has been put through the wringer in recent months, the pub landlady was in for a nasty shock when Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) asked her if her brother Keanu’s wake could be held in The Vic – the same boozer in which Linda stabbed him to death.

Throughout the instalment, Linda dropped clues that her struggle was ongoing as she notably opened up about dreaming of her husband Mick.

However, viewers of the London-based program were devastated when she was found by her son Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) lying on the floor in the cellar, in a drunken haze.

Linda Carter has been facing troubled times in recent months
Linda Carter has been facing troubled times in recent months 
Image:
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

But while Johnny rushed to his mother’s side, along with her pal Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), fans were shocked to see that her own mother Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) seemed to be neglecting her despair amid her own heartbreak after former fiancé George Knight kissed Cindy Beale behind her back.

Many soap viewers swarmed over to X, otherwise known as Twitter, as they called out Elaine for not taking action to help Linda, despite her clearly needing help.

“Why is everyone seeming to ignore Linda’s struggle and alcoholism? it’s starting to fuck me off now, everything’s about Cindy this, George that, elaine that, TAKE CARE OF YOUR F****** DAUGHTER E-LAINE”, one furiously penned. Another echoed: “Haven’t even started the ep yet and seen the description says “Johnny and Elaine support Linda” yeah and I’m the queen of England be so fr.”

A third soap watcher wrote: “Linda has been drinking for over 6 months now and the only person remotely interested in getting her help is Johnny. It’s all well and good Elaine looking out for Linda – but it’s only when she sees fit. I hope Linda doesn’t become physically ill.”

“Johnny and Elaine saying they are here for Linda but in reality she’s completely alone and struggling, it’s heartbreaking”, another viewer lamented. One then regretted that Linda wasn’t supported any earlier as they pointed out: “Seriously how much more is it going to take for the family to take Linda’s drinking seriously? Help and support should’ve started back in October last year when she started drinking heavily again, she’s going to fall seriously ill the way she’s going!”

A concerned fan echoed: “You’re telling me that no one overheard Linda here?! She needs help with her drinking and fast. So worried for her”, while another demanded: “protect Linda at all costs.”

Soap viewers were also moved to hear, as mentioned, that Linda was still dreaming of Mick, less than two years since his disappearance at sea and this prompted another watcher to theorise: “Linda is having dreams of mick. I’m convinced one day he will return.”

Mick vanished at sea while trying to save both Linda and Janine Butcher from drowning in December, 2022. While his body has yet to be found, his wallet had washed up on the shore and it was enough for the authorities to declare he had died but viewers never lost hope to see actor Danny Dyer reprise his role.

But with no mention of a potential return to the long-running program, despite Danny and bosses leaving the door open for Mick, Linda has to face the possibility of being caught up for her crimes – which include framing her rapist Dean Wicks for the murder of Keanu Taylor.