EastEnders’ Kellie Bright recalls almost being cast as different iconic character in the soap – and screen testing in the Queen Vic for it

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Before becoming known as Linda Carter on EastEnders, Kellie Bright revealed she almost landed another famous role on the show.

The actress became a popular part of the BBC One soap opera in 2013, playing Linda, who would eventually become the landlady of the Queen Vic pub. She’s been a central figure in many of the show’s most important stories ever since.

Before becoming famous as Linda Carter, Kellie Bright actually tried out for the part of Tanya Branning, who was married to Max Branning (played by Jake Wood).

Jo Joyner played the role from 2006 to 2013, when she left as a main cast member.

Joyner returned to the role for special appearances around the show’s 30th anniversary in 2015. She also appeared from late 2017 to early 2018 as part of storylines focusing on what happened to her characters’ daughters as they left the show.

At The TopMob Covers Party 2026, Bright shared her experience auditioning for the role of Tanya.

Bright said the research was excellent and confirmed they did audition for the role. They revealed it came down to a choice between them and Jo Joyner, and they even did a screen test with Jake in the Vic.

That’s a great piece of backstory! Later on, Linda became involved with Max and they had a daughter together, Annie Carter, who is now portrayed by Lois Hawkins.

After a glimpse into the future on New Year’s Day 2026, Linda is now among the women Max might marry, as the scene showed him marrying an unknown woman in 2027.

Could Kellie Bright be coming full circle by playing Mrs. Branning, considering she auditioned for the role twenty years ago?

“I’m honestly not sure where things stand with her right now, and I can’t picture what the future holds,” she said. “But you never know what this year might bring.”

With the wedding scheduled for New Year’s Day – the anniversary of Linda’s marriage to her late husband, Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) – it’s a difficult decision for her, and Bright doesn’t think she’ll go through with it. However, anything can happen in Albert Square!

I was really hoping to see Tanya return to EastEnders, but Jo Joyner has pretty much said it’s not going to happen. It’s a shame, especially with Max back and now his son Oscar – who’s all grown up, and Pierre Counihan-Moullier is fantastic in the role – bringing some life back to the Branning family. It feels like the perfect time, but apparently not!

We’ll have to see if this remains the case in 2026 – the year of the Brannings…

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Authors

Lewis KnightNews and Trends Editor

Lewis is the News and Trends Editor at TopMob, responsible for our news coverage, quick-response content, and making sure we deliver what our audience wants. He’s a huge TV and movie buff, especially a fan of Nicole Kidman, but also loves science fiction, independent films, and the newest shows on HBO. With degrees in Psychology and Film Studies, Lewis previously worked in advertising before spending three years at The Mirror, where he focused on community management, SEO, and reporting on showbiz, film, and television.

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2026-02-08 11:07