EastEnders fans were left in tears during tonight's episode - as Linda realised her time in the Queen Vic had come to an end, with many fearing an exit for the character

EastEnders fans fear for Linda's future on the soap after heartbreaking scenes (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

The fallout of the police visit to the Queen Vic continued in tonight's episode in EastEnders, as Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) realised her time as a landlady in the pub had come to an end. Now, fans have been left wondering if an exit is on the cards for the fan favourite.

It's been a tough time for Linda lately, as she's been left to run the pub alone, as her mother Elaine Peacock struggles with her split from husband George. However, Linda has her own problems to deal with, as she recently reached six months of sobriety, but it's not been easy.

In tonight's episode, Linda had a heart to heart conversation with Phil, as she detailed how hard it was to look after both herself and Elaine. "Sometimes you want to do the right thing but you're in the hardest place to do it," Phil said. "You're an alcoholic running a pub."

Linda told Elaine she wanted to sell The Vic in tonight's episode(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Later on, in emotional scenes, Linda was seen with Johnny, reminiscing on her relationship with Mick, when they had dreams of running a pub. With Mick gone, Linda couldn't imagine happy times running the Vic anymore.

Instead, she told Johnny she's been left fixated on the terrible things that have happened during her time there, including her killing of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters). She then revealed to her mother Elaine that she wanted to sell up. However, Elaine wasn't having any of it, as she snapped back: "Over my dead body!"

Fans were left in tears over Linda's heartbreaking scenes with Johnny, with some left fearing an exit from Walford altogether would be on the way for Linda.

Taking to Reddit to discuss the episode, one fan penned: "Kellie Bright played an absolute blinder in today's episode, but I hope she's not leaving the Square," as another responded: "I'll be so upset if that happens!"

Linda has been struggling as she handles the pub alone (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Another questioned: "So is Linda disappearing from the Square before Max comes back and notices he has another kid?"

Elsewhere, fans on X, formerly known on Twitter were praising Kellie Bright for her ground-breaking performance during the emotional episode. "Kellie Bright plays Landlady so convincing you forget she's acting.

"Linda stepping down from all she's ever known is a MASSIVE decision and I would say I'm more than apprehensive to see where she goes from here. No matter what, Kellie continues show her amazing talent #EastEnders," said one.

Another emotional fan said: "Linda's scenes have killed me off today," as a third said: "Linda saying she can only picture the pain she's gone through in the Vic and not the happy times with Mick has broken me. They have so many happy memories."

What will a life outside of The Queen Vic look like for Linda?

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads .