The outcome of this love story was always going to be a tragic one (Picture: BBC)
Mick and Linda Carter’s (Danny Dyer and Kellie Bright) romance is undoubtedly one of the greatest love stories the land of soap has ever known.
The iconic EastEnders couple, who have been together since they were teenagers, arrived in Walford nine years ago, garnering a legion of fans and creating one of the best dynamics on TV in the process.
Much like any soap pairing, they’ve had their ups and downs – some of which we could’ve done without if we’re being totally honest – but despite everything, the publicans just keep coming back to one another.
And we wouldn’t want it any other way.
The soulmates found their way back to one another during Christmas Day’s outing of the serial drama, as – following Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) being exposed for the criminal that she is – Mick reunited with his beloved L, telling her that it’s ‘always’ going to be her.
Sob.
‘I think it was really important that we did reunite the two of them,’ said EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw of the long-awaited reunion. ‘If you know the history of these two characters, they are the love of each other’s lives, that’s in their DNA’
Unfortunately, however, Mick and Linda were soon parted – this time, potentially for good, as Mick vanished at sea after trying to rescue his beloved L from the icy watery depths of the ocean.
No, you’re crying.
One of the greatest dynamics in TV and soap history (Picture: BBC)
An ending such as this one was an inevitability, as actress Kellie Bright is staying in the show, while her on-screen husband Danny Dyer decided to leave.
If we’ve learned anything about Mick in his near-decade-long stint in the Square, it’s that he would NEVER leave his beloved Linda and their children behind.
Bosses therefore found themselves with a challenge on their hands, with tragedy being the only possible outcome.
‘What was a challenge for us was to find a way to exit Mick while keeping hold of Linda, because Mick wouldn’t leave Linda and wouldn’t leave his kids, so it was incredibly difficult.
‘We did reconcile them, I think that’s a beautiful moment. I was watching them shoot that scene, I’ve got a feed in my office and I happened to look up and saw them kissing and I ran out of my office into the main office and I was like, “Mick and Linda are kissing!”
Mick would never willingly leave his beloved L (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)
‘It’s been so long since we’ve seen that.
‘It’s beautiful and it does take you back to those years where they were so gorgeous and glorious. So while it was one scene and two kisses I think it’s a beautiful way to end their story and their journey. Ultimately it’s a love story that ends tragically.’
EastEnders continues Boxing Day at 7:30pm on BBC One.
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This tale was never going to have a happy ending.
