EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders’ Linda Carter is to be given a major ultimatum, as her alcohol struggle continues to worsen.
In recent weeks, Linda has started drinking heavily once again, as she is haunted by Keanu’s death as well as revelations about her late father.
While her family have failed to intervene, they have become increasingly concerned about her wellbeing, and next week will see Alfie grow worried about his friend’s drinking.
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In early December, Linda’s situation will worsen significantly, in a chain of distressing events in the run up to Christmas.
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Ollie tells Johnny some disturbing details about his mum’s drunken behaviour, leaving him devastated. Later, Linda gets drunk again and Ollie witnesses her throwing some customers out of The Vic.
Johnny decides to confront Linda about the impact of her drinking, but she turns on her son, packing a bag and leaving to stay with Sharon.
Sharon promises Johnny that she will help Linda by sorting her out, and sure enough, she gives her new housemate a dressing down about her behaviour.
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Later, Linda has a nasty encounter with Bernie while heading home, which is another reminder that she will never be able to move on from the events of last Christmas.
Hurt, Linda tries to buy alcohol at the Minute Mart, and when Alfie refuses to sell it to her, she takes it anyway.
After telling Johnny what has happened, Alfie is shocked to discover that Sharon’s house has been broken into because Linda left the door open. Sharon later comes home and find out she has been robbed.
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As the week continues, Linda’s loved ones continue to be hurt by Linda’s behaviour. She has difficult confrontations with Alfie and Johnny, before drinking more vodka.
But there is hope, as recovering alcoholics Phil and Lauren offer to attend a meeting with Linda. She agrees, and Johnny is thrilled by her mum’s desire to recover.
Later, Elaine returns from her honeymoon and finds out that her daughter has reached a new low. She takes action and promises to try and get Linda back on track.
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But after she is faced with a "truly shocking and devastating day", Elaine realises that she can enable her daughter no longer and gives Linda a big ultimatum.
What will Linda decide to do, and will she get the help she desperately needs?
These scenes will air on the week beginning Monday, December 9, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Alcohol Change UK offers information, advice and support with their 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).
Readers can also contact Drinkaware.
