EASTENDERS bosses have drawn an official line under Mick Carter’s lengthy absence from the show – by killing him off.
The show favourite, memorably played by, was already missing and presumed dead .
More than three million viewers tuned in as Mick vainly attempted to save ex-wife Linda from a watery grave after her car careened into the English Channel – unaware that she had already found her way back to shore.
While the former pub landlord never made it back, his true fate was never fully established by scriptwriters and the open-ended departure prompted speculation that he could well return.
But show bosses have since confirmed his death by drowning, with a shell-shocked Linda informed that his body has been found during Monday evening’s episode.
Turning to her mother Elaine Peacock and Walford Square stalwart Sharon Watts after receiving the news over the phone, she confirms: “They’ve found Mick’s body. They wouldn’t give me any details but the death certificate’s been issued.
“I always knew… They wouldn’t even tell me where they’d found him, just that the next of kin is dealing with things.”
Addressing the inevitable impact of his four years submerged in water, Elaine thoughtlessly gripes: “It’s been so long, there can’t be much of him left.”
Unperturbed, Linda seeks solace with – obliviously unaware that he was struggling to conceal his resentment over her fond recollections of life with Mick.
To make matters worse, Linda is unable to discover the whereabouts of her ex-husband’s remains – , Mick’s second wife, and, as such, his next-of-kin.
Now released from prison after seeing out a sentence for her involvement in the car accident that ultimately led to his death, Janine is soon located in an upmarket Mayfair hotel.
Confronting her for the first time in years, Linda demands: “I’m not leaving until you tell me where my husband is.”
The popular character, played by Kellie Bright, arrived in with on-screen husband Mick in 2013, ostensibly to take over the pub.
But she will leave the long-running BBC show next year, after more than 14-years in Walford.
Mum of three Kellie, 51, said: “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, but agreed to extend my stay because of an exciting storyline. 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.”
Executive producer Ben Wadey said: “Kellie’s characterisation of the fiercely lovable, protective and brilliant Linda Carter has made her a favourite among viewers. Everyone at EastEnders will miss Kellie and Linda dearly.
“We’ve still got a way to go before we say goodbye but I can promise that Kellie’s exit storyline will be full of unmissable drama.”
A source close to EastEnders told The Sun on Sunday: “Kellie feels it is time to see what is on the outside.
“But everyone will be hoping Linda will return one day. It’s believed the door is being left open.”
