EastEnders spoilers: Baby Annie taken away from Linda Carter by social services as scheming Janine Butcher sets her up

Janine took shocking action to crush Linda – with devastating consequences (Picture: BBC)

Linda Carter’s (Kellie Bright) world came crashing down in EastEnders, as despite avoiding a custodial prison sentence, her worst fears ultimately came to pass courtesy of nemesis Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks).

The landlady was on tenterhooks in Monday’s (August 29) offering of the BBC One serial drama, which proved to be another in a long-line of very good outings.

Linda, as viewers are aware, faced a potential prison sentence for a crime she didn’t even commit, having pled guilty to the car crash which nearly claimed her and baby Annie’s life earlier this year.

Janine is, of course, to, blame for the accident, as she was driving the vehicle, but she subsequently framed her love rival for the collision, who was under the influence at the time.

That pesky Janine.

Linda recovered from her serious injuries, but she struggled to recall what transpired on the day in question, and thus thought that she was driving. Despite her innocence, she accepted responsibility, and sought help for her alcohol addiction.

Mick was right by Linda’s side – where he evidently belongs (Picture: BBC)

Mick (Danny Dyer) has been by her side almost every step of the way, and tonight he was quick to offer support once more, much to the dismay of Janine.

Linda popped over to The Vic for a heartfelt moment with her beloved children, Ollie (Harry Farr) and baby Annie, before setting off for court. Devilish Janine was quick to relish Linda’s misery, and even sank as low as to tell Linda that her children are better off without her.

Charlie Brooks, you do spiteful performances so well!

Jada Lennox (Kelsey Calladine-Smith), meanwhile, received her orders from Janine, who blackmailed her into planting bottles of alcohol around the home. If she refused, Janine would leak a recording of her agreeing to take part in the plot.

Linda bravely said her piece in court (Picture: BBC) Janine blackmailed Jada into helping her (Picture: BBC)

At the court, Mick proved incredibly supportive towards Linda, helping her breathe through what appeared to be a panic attack, as she contemplated the thought of a future behind bars.

The landlady was then called to the courtroom, and despite knowing that her words wouldn’t make a difference, she ask to speak to the court, bravely admitting that her own behaviour has torn her family apart.

Linda relished in rubbing her return in Janine’s face – but little did she know what was to come (Picture: BBC)

Her words evidently had impact on those listening, as she managed to avoid a prison sentence, instead being hit with a fine and hours of community service. It was a decision that shocked both Linda and Mick, with the former evidently grateful to have been given another chance.

Janine, meanwhile, was less than pleased when Linda made her grand entrance to the Vic, but with the schemer’s masterplan in motion, it was only a matter of time before her love rival’s world came crashing down.

Janine, you see, not only had Jada plant bottles of alcohol around the house, but she also had her telephone social services to report Linda’s alleged drinking.

Linda raced over to her place to find out what was going on (Picture: BBC)

A social worker subsequently popped by the premises, and a stunned Zack Hudson (James Farrar) swiftly made his way over to the pub to notify Linda, who raced across the Square to find out what was going on.

It was, however, too late.

The social workers had found the planted bottles of booze, and despite Linda’s pleas that it was all a set-up, they struggled to believe her.

Linda was distraught as social services took Annie away (Picture: BBC) She desperately banged on the window of the car, hoping to change the social worker’s mind (Picture: BBC)

To complicate matters further, they noticed a bruise on Annie’s arm, and thus were forced to take the child to the hospital.

Linda, concerned that they thought she had injured her child, attempted to stand in their way, before chasing their vehicle across the Square and into the market, breaking down in Mick’s arms.

A truly heartbreaking outing, and one that yet again managed to shine a light on just how cleverly cruel and conniving Janine is as a character, which makes her so much more than your average soap villain.

Linda broke down in Mick’s arms (Picture: BBC) More: Soaps

Linda and Mick, meanwhile, are just perfect together, and arguably the biggest takeaway from this episode is that their chemistry is growing more and more, perhaps making it only a matter of time before they reunite.

What happens next is anyone’s guess, but this is quite possibly the lowest Janine has sunk thus far, and we can only imagine that it will make the end result – when she gets found out – all the more delicious.

EastEnders continues Tuesday August 30 at 7:30pm on BBC One.

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