EastEnders spoilers follow for the show’s latest episode, which is available to watch now on streaming service BBC iPlayer and doesn’t air on TV until Wednesday, December 18.
Note: This article contains discussion of alcoholism.
EastEnders has provided an important update about Linda Carter, in the show’s latest episode.
Linda’s drinking has spiralled out of control in recent weeks, and her mum Elaine gave her an ultimatum: go to rehab immediately or leave for good.
In yesterday’s episode, Linda sadly chose alcohol and left The Vic in a rage, but she then had a vision of what might happen if she decided to continue drinking.
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The devastating format-breaking instalment saw Linda collapse after another night of alcohol abuse, and Elaine was told that her daughter had died.
Viewers were shown what Linda’s funeral might be like, with her children Lee and Nancy making a special appearance, and Johnny turning to alcohol himself after his mum’s death.
Linda was horrified by her vision and, realising that she didn’t want to die, she went back into the pub and told Elaine that she would go to rehab.
In today’s episode, Elaine told Suki, Sharon and Stacey that Linda had checked into rehab, assuring them that she truly wanted to recover this time.
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She wanted to tell this group first, considering all they had been through together over the last year, but she urged them to keep this information to themselves for now.
However, Mo and Kim were already gossiping about Elaine’s demeanour and speculated about whether something had happened with Linda. Elaine heard the pair joking about her daughter and was unhappy.
George later returned from Marbella, and Elaine told him that Linda was in rehab. She was upset to think that people would always think of Linda as an alcoholic, but George encouraged her to spread the good news about her recovery.
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With Kojo also discharged from hospital, Elaine took George’s advice and made the announcement to the pub that Linda is in rehab.
"This pub is the centre of our community and Linda is a very big part of that," she explained to the residents.
"Please do not whisper about her but talk about her openly and proudly. And please, keep her in your hearts. And in the meantime, let’s all enjoy Christmas together."
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.
