EastEnders star Kellie Bright is to leave the soap after playing one of its key characters, Linda Carter, for 13 years.

She arrived in Albert Square with on-screen husband Mick, portrayed by Danny Dyer, when they became the new owners of the Queen Vic pub.

Carter's matriarch character has been central to major storylines including plots about murder, sexual assault and alcoholism.

Bright said she made the "tough decision" to leave more than a year ago but "happily" agreed to stay on to be part of an "exciting storyline".

The BBC has promised "unmissable drama" before her on-screen exit, which is said to be a "while away" yet.

Executive producer Ben Wadey described the actor as being "the beating heart of EastEnders" and said she had become "a classic EastEnders icon".

Viewers have seen the much-loved character at the heart of many emotional storylines including in 2014 when she was raped by her brother-in-law Dean Wicks.

More than 7 million people watched the episode which prompted dozens of complaints. The sexual assault led to long-running story arc about family conflict and trauma.