Linda Carter’s (Kellie Bright) wellbeing is the subject of much concern in EastEnders next week as Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) clocks how stressed she is.
The landlady of the Queen Vic is forced to pick up the pieces for mum Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe), who is set to make a reckless decision in the wake of her fears about George Knight (Colin Salmon).
George, as viewers know, has been keeping secrets from Lainey, such as a secret kiss with his ex Sabrina and his involvement in making her love rival Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) opening night a success.
With Elaine’s head elsewhere, Linda ends up doing the lion’s share of the work at The Vic, which leaves Phil incredibly concerned.
As a busy night gets underway at the establishment, with Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) and Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan-Levy) among those in attendance, Elaine declares that the prosecco is on the house all night, which leaves Linda utterly reeling.
Phil pops in for a drink with Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) and it doesn’t take him long to realise just how much Linda is struggling with the extra workload and therefore he offers her a helping hand.
Elaine, meanwhile, offers to book Priya a singles cruise, telling her she can pay her back later. Linda witnesses £5,000 leave the business account and she’s utterly horrified.
Wasting little time in confronting Elaine, the Carter matriarch demands answers. Elaine, however, is completely indifferent to the situation, dismissing Linda’s concerns entirely.
The following day, Elaine wakes with a vicious hangover. Linda tries to talk sense into her mum, who once again shuts her down – and refuses to engage with her altogether.
Phil continues to worry about Linda, who is quite clearly struggling under the pressure, and therefore he steps in and gives Elaine a piece of his mind, chastising her for treating Linda so carelessly.
Left with food for thought, Elaine decides to speak to Linda, who continues to play down her true feelings. And let’s just say that she is overwhelmed.
Will Elaine realise that Linda can’t do everything on her own? Will she come to realise the error of her ways where Priya is concerned?
Linda has been Walford’s resident agony aunt over the past few months, always on hand to offer helpful advice to those in need. But can she get the help she needs from those around her?
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
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