Linda received a major shock as ‘Mick’ got in touch via a text message (Picture: BBC)

Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) was left in complete and utter shock in EastEnders after receiving a text message thought to have been sent by the love of her life Mick (Danny Dyer), who is presumed dead.

Mick, as fans will know, disappeared at sea over the festive season last year when he dived into the treacherous waters to rescue soulmate Linda and new wife Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks).

Linda, who was trapped in a car with Janine, instructed Mick to rescue her love rival first, given that she was pregnant with his child. Mick, despite wanting to save Linda, did as he was told, getting scheming Janine safely to shore before re-entering the treacherous waves to save his beloved L.

Little did he know, however, that Linda had already made it safely out of the water, with Mick subsequently vanishing beneath the waves, much to the horror of Linda, who struggled to come to terms with living a life without her one true love in it.

But despite everything, Linda has managed to forge a new life for herself, co-running the Vic with mum Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) and her partner George Knight (Colin Salmon).

The return of Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo), however, who raped her nine years ago, has left Linda bereft in recent weeks, especially given that it’s coming up to the one year anniversary since Mick vanished.

Linda struggled to fight back the tears (Picture: BBC)

The landlady isa determined to not let the rapist’s presence in the Square destroy her and, despite a recent relapse where alcohol is concerned, Linda is looking forward to spending Christmas with her loved ones.

But a shocking text rendered her speechless during Thursday’s (December 21) edition of the BBC One soap, as she checked her phone to see a message which was allegedly sent by Mick.

‘L, I can’t talk but I need to see you,’ it read. ‘I’m sorry I couldn’t do this til now. I’ll explain everything. Mick x’

Is her Mick really back from the dead? (Picture: BBC)

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Linda struggled to fight back tears as she dared to dream that Mick might still be alive. Unfortunately, it turns out to be a cruel trick played on her by Dean, who is once again determined to destroy her.

A showdown ensues between the pair in the subsequent episode, with actress Kellie Bright telling us that it doesn’t turn out as she expected.

With one man set to wind up dead over the festive season, will Dean be the victim and Linda the killer?

EastEnders continues Friday December 22 at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. 

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Linda received the biggest shock of all.