‘Linda hits rock bottom – and then it gets worse’
EastEnders actress Kellie Bright on her dark Christmas storyline and how her character’s about to reach an all-time low
When Linda Carter, aka actress Kellie Bright, first burst on to Albert Square during Christmas 2013, her bubbly and larger-than-life personality captured EastEnders fans’ hearts. But fast forward to this year’s festive season and she’s in a completely different place.
Over the past few months, viewers have seen Linda become addicted to alcohol. And while her family – and us at home – are in the dark as to what’s driving her to drink, they’re also aware of how serious the problem is.
Linda promises she’ll cut back after the festivities are over. But, as Christmas Day approaches, there’s a huge row which ends with her storming out of the pub and opening a bottle alone in the Square. Later, she goes missing, leaving hubby Mick (Danny Dyer) and her family in a panic.
But far from being a wake-up call, New Year’s Eve sees Linda hit her lowest point.
Kellie, 43, tells us why the storyline terrified her and reveals her own festive plans with husband Paul and children Freddie, eight, and
Gene, three…
Hi Kellie. Linda’s been struggling recently and has turned to alcohol. Is she aware she’s 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 so instead they talk about doing Dry January. As far as Linda’s 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.
So she’s in denial then?
Absolutely. She’s enjoying a drink and she feels she’s only doing what everyone else does. In her mind, nothing has changed at all.
What research have you done for the storyline?
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 the turnaround here is so quick with the amount of scenes we’re working on, so it was quite daunting. It’s one of the most challenging things I’ve ever had to do. I just had to do a lot of homework and preparation so that when I walked into the 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 Linda’s alcoholism?
I was really chuffed because it’s an amazing storyline to play. For Linda, she just wants everything to stop and to press pause on her life. I felt really lucky, but at the same time I thought,“Oh God, now I’ve actually got to do it. How am I going to do it?!”I was scared and nervous.
Will she be able to hold it together over Christmas?
What everyone has seen of Linda so far is only the tip of the iceberg…
How serious will it get for Linda?
When she’s drunk, you see a side to her you’ve not seen before. It’s very unpredictable, dark and dangerous. I think her drinking gets as bad as it could. What she does while under the influence of alcohol is pretty horrendous.
Things only get worse on New Year’s Eve.What can you tell us?
You might think she has hit rock bottom on NewYear’s Eve, but then there’s more! Having said that, her NewYear’s Eve is pretty out-there and unbelievable and she does some awful things. When I got the script, I could believe that an alcohol-fuelled Linda would do all that stuff.
How does her family react?
Mick’s horrified and disgusted by her behaviour. There is concern, but also anger and denial. He can’t quite believe what is happening and he doesn’t know how to handle it.
Why is Linda so out of control?
I can’t tell you why but there is a reason that comes to light. 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 make her change?
It would take losing her family for her to confront her problems.
‘What she does under the influence of alcohol is horrendous’
What are your own plans for Christmas this year?
I’ve got my husband’s family coming for Christmas Day, which will be lovely. It’s going to be quite low-key.
Have you made any resolutions?
I’m an ambassador for Veganuary so I will be doing that in January. My reason is primarily environmental. I’ve also decided to try not to buy any clothes next year as a way of trying to reduce my carbon footprint, because I know fast fashion 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, though, because I do love a garment!