In recent moments on EastEnders, tragedy struck in the Queen Vic, fulfilling Charlie Suff’s character Johnny Carter’s worst dread.
Since learning that the murder of Keanu Taylor was covered up, the solicitor has been under pressure. The audience will be aware that Keanu was fatally murdered by Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) in an attempt to save her best friend Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean).
Linda’s ability to testify as a witness was crucial to the case, as The Six collaborated with Johnny to frame Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) shortly after Keanu’s death was found.
However, recent scenes saw the pub landlady panic before her pre-trial meeting, leading Johnny to ply her with alcohol.
Unfortunately, the prosecutor realised she was drunk, and refused to put her on the stand – meaning the case against Dean would likely fall apart.
Aware that if Dean got off then the investigation into Keanu’s murder would reopen, Johnny knew that he needed to do whatever he could to get Linda reinstated as a witness.
While he was negotiating with the prosecutor, Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) paid Linda a visit.
Bernie was responsible for the poison pen letters and texts that left Linda rattled ahead of her meeting. She was of the belief that Sharon was Keanu’s true killer, and was desperate for Linda to confess.
In the hopes of dragging the truth out of her, Bernie poured her a drink, and began asking difficult questions, while guilt tripping her about Keanu’s death.
Just as Linda was about to spill, Johnny stormed in, and was furious that she had been drinking.
As Johnny lamented about the effort he’d gone to to get her back on the stand, he insisted she go to rehab to get clean – though Linda refused.
Soon, a vicious row erupted between the mother and son, with Johnny finally snapping and revealing that he wished Linda had died instead of dad Mick.
Linda was completely devastated, and turned to the bottle once again.
Downstairs in the bar, Johnny was approached by Sharon, who apologised for putting pressure on him over the court case and assuring him that he was a caring son.
This pulled Johnny back to his senses, and he headed upstairs to apologise to Linda – but he was faced with tragedy.
Johnny froze when he realised that Linda was struggling to breathe, having choked on her own vomit. As Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) rushed in, she urged him to call an ambulance.
Will Linda get the help she needs before it’s too late?
