Coulson: 'I didn't want a live ep line'

EastEnders returnee Lindsey Coulson has admitted that she was relieved when she discovered she would not have any lines in the show's recent live episode.

The BBC soap went live on February 19 to mark its 25th anniversary, with the special instalment concentrating on the main suspects in the Archie Mitchell murder mystery as the saga reached its climax.

Coulson returned to her role as Carol Jackson last year and made her screen comeback last month.

Speaking to This Morning about the challenging anniversary instalment, the actress explained: "I played 30 episodes before the live. I was really glad I didn't have any lines! I was really pleased. If I'm doing theatre, I get [more time] for rehearsal.

"I did get a lovely letter from [former executive producer] Diederick [Santer] and he said, 'We really want you to be part of it, but sadly you don't have any lines'. I was like, 'That's great - thank you very much!'"

Coulson also discussed the challenges of returning to Walford after so long away from the soap's set.

She commented: "It's been strange but good. When I left, it was three times a week and of course it's four times a week now, which is fast. You used to have a rehearsal, a tech run, a producer's run and then you did it. Now it's get on there, say your lines and get off, really!"