EastEnders fans have predicted that Linda Carter’s battle with alcoholism will ‘spell the end’ of her residency in The Queen Vic.
This week, the BBC soap confirmed that the Carter matriarch will begin drinking heavily in the coming months to escape the pressures of her stressful life.
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Her alcoholism will soon manifest into a bigger problem that she will struggle to hide – and will ultimately affect her marriage and family.
Discussing the upcoming storyline, EastEnders fans believe that Linda’s addiction will mean that she and husband Mick will no longer be able to stay at The Queen Vic.
Writing on Digital Spy Forums, one said: “Kellie Bright will be phenomenal. Hope Linda’s story doesn’t become all about Mick again.
“I also really hope this is the beginning of the end for the Carters in The Vic.”
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Another agreed, saying: “In reality it should be, no way could a recovering alcoholic work and live in a pub. It’s why I’ve always said Phil could never live in The Vic again.”
One user reminded us that Angie Watts had been an alcoholic while working at the pub, but another claimed: “Although back then Angie was never really diagnosed, so could carry on as she was in denial. Eventually Linda will have to stop and part and parcel of that should be leaving the pub behind.”
“I hope the Carters leave The Vic,” said another. “I think I worked out if they’re still there next summer, they’ll have had the longest continuous reign in the show’s history.”
Discussing the storyline, EastEnders revealed they are working with Drinkaware on the plot.
Drinkaware Chief Executive, Elaine Hindal, said: “Feeling pressure to drink, having a drink to celebrate or drinking to cope or relax – these are all common situations that many adults would recognise.
“The fact is the overwhelming majority of people don’t have a serious problem with alcohol. But it might surprise you to know that you don’t always have to be drinking to extreme levels to become dependent on alcohol.”
She added: “Working with EastEnders on this storyline will help us put a spotlight on the potentially harmful result of getting into the habit of drinking regularly.
“Credit to the scriptwriters who are sensitively showing the journey of how easy it can be for someone to develop risky drinking habits.
“Linda’s experiences with alcohol demonstrate why it’s important to be able to recognise signs that you, or someone you care about, could be developing drinking habits that could cause harm to themselves or others.”
Jon Sen, Executive Producer of EastEnders, added: “This autumn, the Carters will face one of their biggest crises to date when Linda turns to alcohol to escape the increasing pressures of her family life.
“Linda’s descent into alcoholism will be instantly recognisable to many – a journey that begins with a single drink to cope with the everyday ups and downs but quickly escalates to a point which wreaks devastation on their life and the lives of those around them.
“In telling Linda’s story we hope that anyone in Linda’s situation or those around them notice the signs of alcoholism and seek the help needed.”
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