Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) is rushed to hospital in EastEnders next week when she’s found by son Johnny (Charlie Suff) in a life-threatening situation.

The Queen Vic landlady, as viewers know, has been struggling under the pressure of keeping shtum about the events of last Christmas, which saw her claim the life of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters).

With help from five fellow matriarchs, Linda successfully covered up the crime, framing rapist Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo), who is current behind bars where he belongs.

The stress of the situation has taken a toll on Linda, who has hit the bottle in a bid to drown out the pain, much to the concern of her loved ones, who fear that she might slip up and spill the beans.Upcoming scenes see Linda faced with quite the proposition when an associate of Dean’s pays her a visit, which prompts letters from a blackmailer, who is hellbent on causing her pain and suffering.

At her wit’s end, Linda takes to the booze once more, much to the dismay of Johnny, who is utterly at a loss over how to help his mum.

Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) offers some advice and even promises to look after Linda while he takes some time out.

Things, however, take quite a turn.

Johnny returns home, where he and Linda have an almighty row. Johnny storms out and, upon his return, he finds Linda in a life-threatening situation.

An ambulance is summoned to the Square, with the paramedics rushing straight for the Vic to treat Linda, who is taken to the hospital.

Johnny is utterly beside himself and blames Gina for Linda’s plight, ordering her to move out of the Vic at once.Callum Highway (Tony Clay), who Johnny has been spending a lot of time with recently, wastes little time in offering support, with Johnny responding by leaning in for a kiss.

Will Linda pull through?

Or will the stress of Keanu’s murder – not to mention the continued torment from Dean and the loss of soulmate Mick (Danny Dyer) – prove too much for her to handle?