BBC EastEnders Queen Vic legend set to return as Linda Carter faced with her past
Johnny Carter is returning to Albert Square with Granchester actor Charlie Suff taking over the EastEnders role from former BBC soap stars Sam Strike and Ted Reilly
EastEnders have confirmed that Johnny Carter is returning to Walford.
The son of Mick (Danny Dyer) and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) is coming back to Albert Square five years after leaving. The character will now be played by Granchester actor Charlie Suff, taking over the role form Ted Reilly and Sam Strike.
Johnny was last seen on screen in January 2018 and he’s since been living in Manchester and working as a lawyer. His mum Linda often mentions him in conversation but he’s set to turn up following his mum’s recent troubles and dad’s disappearance.
Opening up about his new role, actor Charlie said: “I’m so delighted to be joining such an iconic programme – EastEnders was always on at my house when I was growing up. Johnny is a complex character who has been through so much, which I can’t wait to explore.
“I’ve found EastEnders to be the most kind and loving space to work in, and I already feel like one of the family.” EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw added: “‘’m delighted to welcome Charlie Suff to the role of Johnny Carter. Although we haven’t seen Johnny on the Square in almost five years, his character remains linked to the show and its most iconic venue, The Queen Vic.
“Since his short time away, the Carter family dynamics have changed significantly, and it’s safe to say that Johnny will be returning to a very different Walford than the one he left.” Johnny originally arrived in Albert Square in 2013 played by Sam, who was thrown in at the deep end when he was involved in an emotionally charged coming out storyline that brought tears to viewers eyes.
His close bond with Mick saw his dad accept him regardless of his sexuality, despite his typical hardman persona, as it was mum Linda who initially struggled with the news. Johnny enjoyed a romance with Italian Gianluca over the summer and after just a year in the role, Sam quit the role with Johnny heading over to Italy to spend time with his new lover.
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Two years later, the BBC introduced Johnny once again, this time played by Ted, who joined amid a difficult time for the Carter’s following Linda’s rape at the hands of Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) and his brother Lee’s (Danny-Boy Hatchard) bout of depression. However, the character left Walford again in January 2018 and hasn’t been seen since even when siblings Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill) and Lee have reappeared or during last Christmas’ saga that saw Mick disappear at sea.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm
