EastEnders will air dark scenes for Linda Carter over the festive season, as her drinking problem spirals out of control.
The BBC soap is currently exploring the issue of alcoholism with Linda, who is struggling with the increasing pressures of her family life.
By the time New Year approaches, Linda has hit rock bottom – with the story due to coincide with the return of her son Lee (Danny-Boy Hatchard)
Here, Kellie Bright – who plays Linda – reveals all on Lee's comeback and teases some very dark turns in the New Year episodes.
Linda has been struggling in recent weeks and we've seen her become increasingly dependant on alcohol. Do you think she can hold it together for Christmas?
"What everyone has seen of Linda so far is only the tip of the iceberg."
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Is Linda in denial about her drinking?
"Absolutely, 100%. I don't think she thinks she has a problem at all. She's enjoying a drink and she feels she's only doing what everyone else does. In her mind nothing has changed at all."
Over the festive season, Linda promises Mick that she will start drinking less. Is she aware she has got a problem?
"She's said to Mick that with it being Christmas, it would be weird if she didn't have a drink with the punters and they talk about doing Dry January instead. As far as Linda is concerned, it's the wrong time of year to think about stopping drinking. All she knows at this point in time is that she wants to have a drink. She doesn't think she has a problem."
How does Linda feel when Ollie sees her and Mick arguing on Christmas Eve?
"She doesn't feel good about it – no parent would feel good about arguing in front of their child. Of course, it's last thing Linda would ever want Ollie to see."
Linda has no idea Lee's back in Walford. How does she react when she sees him?
"She's completely shocked and blown away. As thrilled and excited as she is to see him, the timing of his appearance isn't good…"
How was it having Danny (Hatchard) back filming?
"It was really lovely. It's only when you're actually acting with someone on screen and you're doing scenes with them again that you realise how much you've missed them and how much you enjoyed working with them.
"It was great to do scenes with him again and lovely to have him around. It was also great to be able to be a mum to an older child again – I've missed playing that parental role."
How do you prepare for the scenes when Linda is drunk?
"I did my own research. I watched a lot of real footage and listened to my fellow actors and any advice they had. I've never really had to play being drunk consistently before and obviously the turnaround here is so quick with the amount of scenes we're working on – it was quite daunting.
"It's one of the most challenging things I've ever had to do, I think. I just had to do a lot of homework and preparation so that when I walked into studio, I was really ready to go and I knew how drunk Linda wanted to be in that particular scene."
How did you react when you heard about the storyline?
"I was really chuffed because it's an amazing storyline to play. For Linda, she just wants everything to stop and press pause on her life. I felt really lucky but at the same time thought, 'Oh god now I've actually got to do it and how am I going to do it!'. I was scared and nervous about it."
Can you give us a hint about how serious her problem will get?
"The thing about Linda is, that when she is drunk, you see a side to her you've not seen before and it's very unpredictable, dark and dangerous. I think her drinking gets as bad as it could. What she does whilst under the influence of alcohol is pretty horrendous."
Linda hits rock bottom during New Year's Eve, what can you tell us about Linda's actions?
"The thing about Linda's drinking and her hitting rock bottom is you might actually think she has hit rock bottom at New Year's Eve, but then there is more! There is more to come.
"Having said that, her New Year's Eve is pretty out there – it's unbelievable and she does some horrendous things. Everything that Linda does at New Year's Eve, I believe. When I got the script, I could believe that an alcohol fuelled Linda would do all of that stuff."
How do her family react?
"Mick is horrified and disgusted by her behaviour. Mick can't quite believe what is happening, there is a bit of denial and he doesn't know how to handle it. There is concern but there's also anger. For Lee, it's mostly concern. He almost becomes the parent to Linda and Mick."
Why is Linda so out of control?
"At the moment, I can't tell you why but there is a reason that comes to light as why she is so out of control. Basically it's the driving force behind Linda's wheels falling off on New Year's Eve – that's why she's so on edge."
What will it take for Linda to confront her problems?
"It would literally take Linda losing her family for her to confront her problems."
What are your plans for Christmas this year, how will you be celebrating?
"I've got my husband's family coming for Christmas Day this year which will be lovely. It's actually going to be quite lowkey for us this year."
And what about New Year? Do you have any resolutions?
"I am an ambassador for Veganuary so I will be doing that in January. My reason for being an ambassador for them is primarily environmental. I have also decided I'm also going to try not to buy any clothes next year as a way of trying to reduce my carbon footprint because I know fast fashion in particular has a huge impact on the environment.
"I don't need any clothes so I should be able to get through one year without buying anything – that will be hard for me though because I do love a garment!"
EastEnders airs an hour-long special on Christmas Day at 9.30pm on BBC One.
Alcohol Change UK offers information, advice and support with its questions about drinking and the problems that can sometimes be caused by alcohol. For more information, visit Alcohol Change UK's website. Drinkline also offers free, confidential advice to anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else's drinking on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).
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