EastEnders reveals TWO show legends are set to return as Kellie Bright exits soap

EASTENDERS have revealed TWO show legends are set to make a return to Walford as Kellie Bright makes her exit. The pair have already began filming their first scenes, which are set to air later this year. Maddy Hill is returning to Walford to reprise her role as Nancy Carter Credit: handout Danny Hatchard is set to make waves as he returns to EastEnders as Lee Carter Credit: BBC Nancy and Lee Carter will be returning to the square after leaving to start new lives. Lee struggled with severe depression, overwhelming debt, and the guilt of orchestrating a robbery at the Vic, so he abandoned his wife Whitney and fled to Dover in 2020. Sign up for the Eastenders newsletter Thank you! His sister, Nancy, departed the village after the breakdown of her relationship with Zack Hudson, who cheated on her with Sam Mitchell. Nancy (Maddy Hill ) and Lee (Danny Hatchard) are now set to make waves with their shock return. Maddy Hill was spotted leaving Elstree studios after filming secret scenes Danny was also seen leaving the studios Landlady Linda – their mum – will be left stunned by their arrival after weathering her fair share drama in their absence. The upcoming episodes will see the pair attempt to step back into to Carter fold and it surely won’t be a smooth ride. Speaking on her return, Maddy Hill said: “I am SO excited to be returning to Enders for a short stint and stepping back into Nancy’s shoes (or basketball shorts!). I’ve missed her! “I’m especially looking forward to seeing lots of familiar faces and acting alongside my incredible on-screen family.” Most read in TV Maddy and Danny have already began filming their first scenes, which will air later this year Credit: BBC It was revealed just days ago that Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter, is set to leave the soap after 13 years Credit: BBC Meanwhile, Danny Hatchard said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be returning to EastEnders as Lee Carter. “Albert Square has always felt like a home away from home, so I’m proper buzzing to be back grafting with the Enders family.” Executive Producer, Ben Wadey teased: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Maddy and Danny back in Walford, bringing two much-loved pieces of the Carter family back together. “And whilst Linda is delighted to have her children all together again, she’s got a lot to catch up on…” Danny made a brief one-off appearance on the soap in 2024, while Maddy made a clean break. This comes as Kellie Bright has quit the soap after 13 years of playing Linda Carter. Kellie arrived in Albert Square with on-screen husband Danny Dyer in 2013 to take over the Queen Vic pub. Danny left three years ago but Kellie was keen to continue Linda’s story. She was the centre of The Six plot, in which Linda was revealed as Keanu Taylor’s killer on Christmas Day 2023 following the gripping flash-forward episode. Mum of three Kellie, 50, 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.” 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.” Comment now