Eagle-eyed EastEnders viewers noticed similar scenes in Linda Carter’s heartbreaking storyline with memorable moments from the 80’s involving her adoptive mum Angie Watts

BBC viewers may have spotted a secret easter egg in EastEnders.

Eagle-eyed telly watchers caught the moment in recent scenes with Linda Carter, played by Kellie Bright. She’s been drinking again, struggling to manage the stress after brutally murdering Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) with a meat thermometer.

In a recent instalment, she’s seen pouring herself a big glass of whisky while upstairs in the Queen Vic’s living space. But hardcore fans couldn’t help but notice similarities with Linda’s adoptive mother Angie Watts (Anita Dobson), who had history with alcohol abuse.

Viewers drew comparisons with 80’s scenes with Angie (Image: BBC)

Linda grabbed a bottle in secret, hiding from her son Johnny (Charlie Suff), and viewers saw a resemblance from scenes aired in the 1980’s. Angie did the same thing, reaching for glass of vodka behind her husband Den Watts’ back. One show follower uploaded a side-by-side comparison on X, formally Twitter, and now fans can’t unsee the similarities.

“‘I’m worried sick about her, Kathy. I’m worried she’s gonna end up like mum.’ I fear it’s happening, Sharon,” the viewer captioned the comparison, quoting Sharon’s concerns. In the same episode, a close-up of Linda’s glass was compared with old scenes with Den.

With the liquor appearing in exactly the same position in the pub, the fan noted: “Den also being the one to pour the whiskey in 1987… “wat” briefly visible on the bottle as Linda pours whiskey for herself; the tumbler sitting in the same place den leaves it … interesting!” One replied: “OMG I DIDN’T NOTICE THAT. IM GOING TO HAVE A BREAKDOWN!”

Linda has sparked fan theories with her recent neglect of daughter Annie, while others have branded a plot point “unrealistic.” The pub landlady has been put through the ringer on the show, most notably since her shocking Christmas murder in The Vic.

Linda’s been seen spiralling out of control, escalating her alcohol consumption and failing to look after young Annie’s hygiene needs amidst her personal turmoil. On Tuesday, Linda was left distraught after a conversation with Dean Wicks and Fraser following a reminder from her mother Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) about Annie’s dentist appointment.

Rushing to the dentist later, Linda is devastated to hear Annie’s dental health is appalling, and four teeth need to be pulled out. The dentist questioned Linda about their home life with the suspicion that poor dental care could indicate further issues. He also noted Linda reeked of booze. Viewers flocked to X, abuzz with criticism over the realism of a scene where a dentist intrusively questions a patient’s home circumstances.

“Sorry when did a dentist become a councillor, giving the parent alcohol advice and enquiring about home life,” one said. Another slammed the professional’s conduct, fuming, “That’s a bit unprofessional for the dentist to tell Linda she smells of alcohol.”

Someone else said: “I don’t believe they would be discussing things like that in the waiting room”, and another questioning the manner of speech: “What sort of dentist speaks to customers like that.” On the storyline, another noted, “This is also a sign that because of what’s been happening at home with Dean and his associates, the trial, the Walford Six and Linda’s drinking both Ollie and now Annie are beginning to feel the aftermath.”