Eastenders legend Kellie Bright is set to bid adieu to Walford after 13 years playing Queen Vic landlady Linda Carter.

Kellie first rocked up to Albert Square in 2013, alongside onscreen hubby Danny Dyer, playing Mick and Linda Carter and they have been at the centre of some of the soap's most nail-biting plotlines.

Viewers have watched as Linda prevailed against alcoholism and play a key part in The Six flashforward - which saw her character responsible for Keanu’s Christmas Day murder.

Linda's love of family, friendships and pink flamingos has won over EastEnders fans hearts - as has her onscreen chemistry with Mick, earning them plaudits as one of Walford's most memorable couples.

Kellie, 50, says she plans to spend more time with her three sons Freddie, 14, Gene, nine, and Rudy, five.

She said: “EastEnders has been my home for thirteen years and 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.

"I made the tough decision over a year ago, and after discussing this with Kate Oates and Ben Wadey, they asked me to stay on to be part of an exciting storyline they had planned, and I happily agreed to extend my stay.

"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."

Ben Wadey, EastEnders executive producer added: “Kellie has been at the beating heart of EastEnders for the past 13 years, and her characterisation of the fiercely lovable, protective, and brilliant Linda Carter has made her a favourite amongst the viewers and cemented her as a classic EastEnders icon.

"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.

"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. I’d like to thank Kellie for her time here at EastEnders, and we wish her all the best for the future."