EastEnders boss Dominic Treadwell-Collins has promised to ease up on the Carter family a bit in the New Year.
Linda and Mick Carter, played by Kellie Bright and Danny Dyer, are trying to stay strong together as Linda fights for justice against Mick's half-brother Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) who raped her. Linda is also facing the prospect of giving birth to her baby, not knowing if the father is Dean or Mick.
On top of that Mick has had to cope with the news that the woman he thought was his sister, Shirley (Linda Henry), is actually his mother. Not to mention all the problems going on with their kids Johnny, Nancy and Lee.
But Dominic told Inside Soap magazine: "We've scripted the birth, which is suitably dramatic, of course!
"But ultimately it's not going to be all bleak for the Carter clan. The storylines we're playing out on screen at the moment are heavy, but there will be some joy coming up for the family."
But Kellie admits it can't all be easy for the Carters.
She said: "It wouldn't ring true if Mick and Linda's relationship was all rosy after the revelations.
"Of course it changes their partnership, and there's her unborn child into the mix too.
"If you ask me, though, Mick Carter is the best husband on the planet.
"I never had any doubt that he would react to Linda's confession in the way that he has."
