Kelly Bright, beloved for her portrayal of Linda Carter on *EastEnders*, recently opened up about one of the most personal and challenging experiences of her life. The 48-year-old actress, who has become a household name in the UK, has been facing what she describes as her “biggest learning curve” while fiercely advocating for her son, who has special needs. On Giovanna Fletcher’s *Happy Mum, Happy Baby* podcast, Kelly shared candidly about her emotional journey, detailing the struggles of navigating the educational system and the fight to secure the best possible support for her child.

Kelly has spoken previously about the difficulties she’s encountered in obtaining an educational health care plan (EHCP) evaluation for her son. As she explained on the podcast, the process of advocating for her son has been overwhelming, but also eye-opening. “It’s so much tougher because you’re battling for your child,” Kelly admitted. She described the feeling of helplessness that many parents experience, particularly when they are faced with a situation that doesn’t fit into society’s neatly defined boxes.

“Unless you live it, you won’t understand,” Kelly explained, noting how the education system is often ill-equipped to handle children who don’t fit into conventional molds. Reflecting on her own schooling, she said it was a world away from what her son is experiencing now. For Kelly, school had been a place of joy, where learning came easily. But for her son, the experience has been far more challenging. “It’s been the biggest learning curve of my life so far,” she said, revealing just how much her son’s experience has taught her about education, parenting, and resilience.

During the podcast, Kelly shared her frustration with the current state of the educational system, voicing concerns that it isn’t designed to support children like her son. “Something needs to change,” she said passionately. Kelly believes that fundamental shifts are required at the core of the education system, particularly in how we define and deliver education to children with special needs. She pointed out that the number of children with special needs is rising, in part due to parents advocating more strongly for their children’s rights. “I’m not going to let my child go through a system that makes them feel like they’re bad at everything,” she declared.

Kelly expressed how heart-wrenching it is to see children, like her son, spend their formative years in a school system that doesn’t serve their needs. She spoke about the long-term impact this can have, with many children leaving school feeling inadequate or like they have nothing to offer the world. As a mother, Kelly is determined not to let that happen to her son. “We must find another solution,” she said, calling on parents, educators, and policymakers to work together to create a more inclusive and supportive system.

Throughout her journey, Kelly has met many people who are fighting for change, but she acknowledges that it will be a long and difficult process. She praised the individuals who are working tirelessly to improve the system, but she also pointed out that much of the experience depends on the school a child attends and the support they receive. Kelly’s son, for example, attends a state secondary school that has an excellent reputation for supporting children with special needs, but even there, Kelly has had to wrestle with tough decisions. “Is mainstream schooling the right fit for him?” she questioned. “Would he be better off in a special school? Should I homeschool him?” These are the questions that many parents of children with special needs grapple with, and there are no easy answers.

Kelly also discussed the importance of having the right people in place to implement the support outlined in an EHCP. “The piece of paper is just that – a piece of paper,” she said. It’s the people behind the plan who make the real difference. And when those people aren’t present, it raises even more questions about the system’s ability to serve children adequately.

In addition to her personal challenges, *EastEnders* has also been delivering some jaw-dropping moments on-screen, with recent storylines bringing back iconic characters from the 1990s. Fans were shocked when David Wicks (played by Michael French) returned to Walford after receiving a concerning call about his old friend Bianca Jackson. His return stirred up old drama, particularly with Cindy Beale, as flashbacks to past relationships and betrayals added fuel to the fire.

David’s interactions with Cindy took center stage in recent episodes, as their past affair came back to haunt them both. Tensions reached a boiling point when David caught Cindy in a compromising position, igniting a whirlwind of emotions and unresolved feelings between the two characters. As the storyline unfolded, David found himself torn between revealing Cindy’s secrets or protecting her, all while grappling with his own feelings of love and loyalty.

Viewers were left reeling after David’s emotional goodbye to Cindy, where he confessed his love for her before departing Walford once again. His exit marked the end of a brief but intense return to the Square, leaving fans devastated. Social media lit up with calls for the *EastEnders* showrunners to bring David back permanently, with some even joking about starting a GoFundMe campaign to ensure actor Michael French’s return to the canvas.

But even as the drama on *EastEnders* continues to captivate audiences, Kelly’s real-life journey as a mother and advocate is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones unfolding off-screen. Her fight to protect her son and secure the support he needs reflects the struggles of countless parents across the country who are navigating a system that often falls short.

Kelly’s story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering love. It’s a reminder that, just like on *EastEnders*, real life is full of challenges, but with the right support, there’s always hope for a better future. As Kelly continues to fight for her son, she’s also using her platform to raise awareness about the changes that need to happen – not just for her family, but for all children with special needs.