EastEnders has revealed that an unexpected new romance for Linda Carter will kick off next week.

Linda has had a tough year, with the struggle to cover up Keanu Taylor’s death leading to a heartbreaking relapse in her alcohol addiction.

Her drinking spiralled out of control and almost wrecked her relationships with her loved ones, but a terrifying vision of the future made Linda finally accept help at Christmas.

She went to rehab for a couple of months and returned to Walford in February, feeling positive about the future. But she has since faced more turmoil, with the explosion in The Vic destroying her livelihood and leaving her family homeless.

But things might be looking up, as in scenes that will air next week, Linda is pleased to get a call from the insurance company who confirm that they will get a payout to rebuild the pub.

However, Elaine Peacock quickly gets involved and takes over the plans for The Vic, leaving Linda feeling sidelined.

She expresses her frustrations to Denise Fox, but Kim Fox overhears and suggests that Linda focuses on something else – proposing that she gets back into the dating game.

Linda is quick to dismiss the idea of finding love again but she is still in the mood for romance, so she decides to try and set up her son Johnny with Felix Baker.

She continues to play matchmaker during the week – though Johnny and Felix sadly won’t work out long-term, with Matthew Morrison leaving his role as Felix later this year.

Meanwhile, Linda remembers that she promised herself that she would move on and be happy, so she eventually agrees to let Kim find her a date.

As she gets ready for her evening, Linda admits that she is nervous, and Johnny tries to reassure his mum about this big step forward.

Linda meets up with her mystery date Jeff at Harry’s Barn, and she attempts to relax and make small talk.

Aside from a kiss with friend Alfie Moon last year, Linda hasn’t entertained a love life since her beloved Mick’s assumed death. But is she now finally ready to move on?