Kellie Bright wears large earrings when playing EastEnders' Linda Carter due to her love of legendary character Pat Butcher.

Kellie Bright

Kellie Bright

The 43-year-old star says the late Walford matriarch - who was played by Pam St. Clement and known for wearing big jewellery - was her ultimate icon on the BBC One soap, and says fans should lookout for some impressive ear wear during next week's 35th anniversary episodes.

She said: "I'm going to say Pat Butcher - mostly because of the earrings. I do choose really large earrings for Linda based on my love for Pat. There are some corkers in the 35th anniversary."

As well as being a big fan of Pat, Kellie has also adored Letitia Dean's character Sharon Mitchell over the years, and admits it was a "strange sensation" starring alongside the actress when she joined the show.

She said: "I had one of my first speaking scenes with Letitia Dean on the square - that was so strange.

"I'm so grateful because she was so lovely so that was really nice. It was bizarre, I couldn't believe I was stood doing this scene with such an iconic woman and character who I've watched since I was tiny! It was a strange sensation."

Kellie looks set to have some huge scenes coming up in next week's anniversary episodes, which will see the Carters host a boat party on the River Thames.

One character will die, and the former 'Bad Girls' star admitted her alter-ego could be bumped off during the episode.

She said: "It's the most epic episode I've ever been involved with.

"I'm really excited to see it ... that says a lot.

"It centres around a party on a boat, on the Thames, and I get wet."

When it was suggested it could be Linda who dies, she replied: "It might be."