Mick Carter to leave The Queen Vic in 'EastEnders'?

Times are a-changing in Albert Square if news reports today are to be believed. According to The Sun, Mick Carter – along with wife Linda – will leave The Queen Vic later this year.

Mick and Linda have been at the helm of the famous pub since actors Danny Dyer and Kellie Bright joined the BBC soap back in 2013.

But now, as Linda continues to struggle with her alcohol addiction, it looks like the time has come for them to step aside and let someone else take their place behind the bar.

A source told the publication: “With Linda struggling to quit booze it makes sense Mick moves the family out the pub.

“His decision will spark a bidding war between some of the residents who fancy taking on the biggest job in Walford.

“Viewers will be sad to see Danny no longer behind the bar, but that doesn’t mean he won’t return at some point in the future.”

But don’t worry, the Carter clan aren’t leaving the soap entirely, they’ll just be moving to a new address in the Square.

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The bets are now on to see who will take over the pub once the Carters leave, with The Sun backing Sharon Mitchell as the favourite.

She certainly needs some good luck after losing her son, Dennis, last month when he drowned on the infamous boat party.

And the pub is Sharon’s spiritual home, having grown up there with adoptive parents Den and Angie Watts.

She also lived there with ex-husband Grant Mitchell.

Sharon’s estranged husband Phil is also a favourite to take over the boozer - probably just to annoy Sharon.

But with Phil also a recovering alcoholic, would this be a wise move?

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Other former landlords and ladies include; Kat and Alfie, Roxy Mitchell, Peggy Mitchell and Frank and Pat Butcher.

EastEnders continues tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One