SHOCK in EastEnders as THIS character QUITS iconic role in Walford

It's all change in Walford as EastEnders favourite Mick Carter makes a life-changing decision about his future...

There is shock heading for EastEnders fans as it has been reported that Mick Carter will be quitting his role as the landlord of The Queen Vic pub.

The news comes as Mick vows to help his alcoholic wife, Linda Carter, who is determined to stay on the wagon as she fights her addiction.

EastEnders Mick Carter — Mick has been pulling pints in The Vic since 2013 (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC / Kieron McCarron)

Actor Danny Dyer joined the soap in 2013 as pub landlord Mick Carter, and has been pulling pints behind the bar of the iconic Walford pub ever since.

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But sadly that is all set to change according to an insider who told The Sun: "With Linda struggling to quit booze, it makes sense Mick moves his family out of the pub.

"His decision will spark a bidding war between some of the residents who fancy taking on the biggest job in Walford.

"Viewers will be sad to see Danny no longer behind the bar, but that doesn't mean he won't return at some point in the future."

EastEnders Mick Carter with Linda Carter — Mick and Linda have been to hell and back thanks to Linda's drinking (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC / Kieron McCarron)

Linda has been battling the booze for months, with her drinking causing her to get caught up in the shocking events that saw Martin trying to kill Keanu on Christmas Day.

By New Year, Linda was on a downward spiral, with her drinking leaving her life in danger on more than one occasion.

So with the Carters moving out, who would make a fitting replacement?

With former landlords such as Kat and Alfie Moon, Peggy Mitchell. Frank and Pat Butcher, and Den and Angie Watts, the role of pub landlord is a coveted position in Walford.

Peggy and Mick in EastEnders — Who will be following in Peggy and Mick's footsteps? (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC/Kieron McCarron)

But who could be following in these legendary footsteps to become the next face of the Vic?

Could Sharon make her way back to her roots and take over the pub she once called home?

With Phil also being a former alcoholic, it doesn't seem like the best new business venture for him... but Ian isn't afraid of a new challenge. Could he be in the running?

Or perhaps the pub needs a fresh approach from the Brannings. Could brothers Max and Jack soon be behind the iconic bar?

EastEnders airs Monday and Friday at 8pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia.

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off.

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz!

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.