Kellie Bright will make a brief return to EastEnders as Linda Carter over the festive period, it has been revealed.

Linda was last seen in September, fleeing the square with new daughter Annie to prevent the baby's real father Max Branning from finding out. In real life, Bright was on maternity leave of her own.

Since Linda has been gone, Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) has made a return to the square, wasting no time in getting a job at The Vic and setting her sights on Linda's husband Mick (Danny Dyer).

A teaser for Linda's return explains: "Linda's appearance will see her marriage set to go through the ultimate test – Janine Butcher.

"Janine's manipulation knows no bounds. Determined to find out what is really going on between Linda and Mick, Janine decides to track Linda down and in ultimate Janine fashion, she is determined to use it to her advantage."

The scenes will air in the episode broadcast on Tuesday, December 28.