In one of EastEnders’ most emotionally charged BBC iPlayer episodes of the year, everything changes for the residents of Albert Square – and especially for Linda Carter, who says goodbye not only to The Queen Vic, but to a part of herself. But as she walks away, the future of her most closely guarded secret hangs by a thread – and that thread is named Oscar Branning.

Oscar Learns the Truth – and Smiles…

It was only a matter of time before the fragile truth came to light – and in today’s episode, it finally happened. Against her better judgment, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) sat Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier) down and told him what she had tried so hard to hide:

Max Branning is Annie’s father.

The reveal hit Oscar like a wave – but not with anger or betrayal. Instead, he revelled in it. Oscar saw the bombshell as leverage, a potential dagger to throw back at his estranged dad, Max (Jake Wood). The idea of watching Max squirm at the news gave him more satisfaction than shock.

For Linda, it was a parent’s worst fear realized – not that the truth was out, but that it could now explode at any moment.

Linda’s Farewell – and the Burden She Leaves Behind

While all this unfolded, Linda was packing up her life. With The Vic sold to Kat Moon and Stacey Slater, and her mother Elaine offering a cruise and a new chapter, it was supposed to be a fresh beginning. But the past refused to stay buried.

Elaine urged Linda to come clean to Oscar. Linda resisted. Then broke. Then regretted.

And just when it seemed like everything was spiraling, Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) stepped in. Pleading with Oscar, she managed to convince him to stay silent – for now.

With a shaky truce in place, Linda tearfully said goodbye to Tracy (Jane Slaughter) in a touching, quiet moment that reminded fans how far Linda has come. She left not just The Vic, but her title as landlady, walking into the unknown, leaving behind secrets that could still shatter lives.

The Max Question – Is the Truth Really Safe?

Despite Oscar’s promise not to tell Max, one thing is certain: Max Branning is coming back. And with Oscar now armed with knowledge that could burn down what’s left of Linda’s stability, the question isn’t if Max will find out – it’s when.

Linda may be on a cruise, but the storm she feared might still hit Albert Square harder than ever.

A New Era Begins – But With Old Ghosts Looming

As the Slaters prepare to take over The Vic, and Linda sails away into the horizon, viewers are left with a bitter taste of unease. This isn’t closure – it’s a temporary calm. The foundations are cracked, and the Branning family secret is now a ticking time bomb in Oscar’s hands.

🔥 Don’t Miss What’s Next

With Max Branning set to return, Oscar holding a dangerous truth, and Linda gone just as the stakes rise – the question is no longer who knows the secret.

It’s:
Who will break first – and what will be left to save when they do?