Shirley Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Linda Henry. She first appeared on 5 December 2006. This is Henry's second role in EastEnders, as she previously played prostitute Lorraine Salter (1991–92). Henry took a break from the show in September 2012, departing alongside on-screen daughter, Carly. She returned on 3 December 2012. Shirley is one of several EastEnders characters to appear in the internet spin-off series EastEnders: E20. Some of her storylines have included trying and failing to rebuild relationships with her children Carly (Kellie Shirley) and Deano (Matt Di Angelo), a friendship with Heather Trott (Cheryl Fergison), a volatile relationship with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), the introduction of her son Mick (Danny Dyer), who at f