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After months away from Walford, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) is officially returning to EastEnders—and not alone. Her comeback, scripted for Thursday, 13 February 2025, marks a major milestone as it aligns with the show’s 40th anniversary celebrations, featuring an emotional EastEnders reunion alongside legendary character Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) The Sun+15Radio Times+15Daily News+15.

🎬 The Road to Rehab

Linda’s journey began with a season-defining storyline in late 2024, where her addiction spiraled following Keanu Taylor’s death. In a haunting “What If?” episode aired on 16 December, she imagined her own funeral and the fallout of continued drinking—prompting her to accept rehab for the sake of her children and loved ones Wikipedia+5Radio Times+5Yahoo Tin Tức UK+5. This psychological reckoning led to her stepping away from the Square for several months.

❤️ The Big Return

When Linda returns on 13 February, she–along with Grant Mitchell—will walk back into Albert Square and into a tempest of existing drama. While friends and family welcome her warmly, tensions simmer beneath the surface as the Knight-Beale household grapples with the aftermath of Cindy Beale’s brutal Christmas Day attack. With numerous suspects still under suspicion—including her own mother Elaine—Linda’s return is fated to rip open old wounds as ill feelings rise to the surface The Scottish Sun+6Radio Times+6soapoperadaily.com+6soapoperadaily.com+2Daily News+2UK News in Pictures+2.

🎉 A Legend Returns Too

In a powerful creative decision, Linda is joined in her return by Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp)—another of EastEnders’ most iconic characters. Called in by Nigel to support his brother Phil, who now grapples with psychosis and hallucinations, Grant’s presence adds both nostalgia and dramatic heft to an anniversary week already packed with emotional intensity The Sun+8Daily News+8Daily News+8.

⚠️ What This Means Narratively

• Linda’s Story: Her return holds major emotional and narrative weight. She’s back sober and introspective—but with deep scars. The delicate family tensions, especially involving Elaine, Johnny, Nancy, Georgie, and Gina, are set to be tested under the spotlight Yahoo Tin Tức UKDaily News.

• Grant’s Arc: His reintroduction ties directly to Phil’s crisis, with the Mitchell brother dynamic fan-favourite. Viewers expect intense emotional scenes and a possible confrontation with family demons as Phil’s mental state deteriorates Daily NewsWikipedia.

• Anniversary Impact: Their reunions tie into EastEnders’ 40th anniversary week—a period filled with dramatic sweeps, surprises, and emotional payoffs stretching across the square and behind-the-scenes specials The Sun+15UK News in Pictures+15Daily News+15.

🧠 Fan Expectations & Reactions

Viewers are excited for Linda’s return, particularly given the emotional sensitivity of her story. Many fans hope the show handles her re-entry with care—addressing alcoholism recovery, emotional reconciliation, and personal growth. The pairing with Grant has also generated buzz: longtime fans expect sparks rooted in Walford’s complicated history.

There is, however, cautious concern. Some viewers worry Linda might face yet another tragedy instead of real healing. Much speculation follows a spate of funeral-related filming in 2024, leading fans to wonder if Linda’s storyline will end tragically or offer redemption Yahoo Tin Tức UK+8Radio Times+8soapoperadaily.com+8.

💬 Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Linda Carter’s return is more than just nostalgia—it’s a turning point. Her journey through recovery aligns with a broader storyline of trauma, family fractures, and emotional reckoning. Joined by Grant, her arrival launches what promises to be one of Walford’s most intense and heartfelt arcs in recent memory. Their presence highlights EastEnders’ legacy characters while fueling high-stakes drama during a milestone anniversary week.

Will Linda heal old wounds and become whole again, or will the return reopen fractures? With Grant at her side, and explosive tension brewing in Walford, viewers are bracing for turbulence—packed with emotion, conflict, and hope.

✅ Summary

If you’d like insights into how these storylines connect to other returning characters, anniversary specials, or reaction from fans about the impact of Linda’s journey, I’d be happy to explore further.