EastEnders is to recast the role of Mick and Linda Carter’s younger son Johnny, RadioTimes.com can exclusively reveal.
The character of Johnny has not been seen on screen since December 2014 when he departed to go travelling overseas with boyfriend Gianluca. But fans can expect Johnny to return from Italy later this year with a fresh face.
The casting process is currently under way with bosses looking for the ideal Johnny, who will soon become involved in some big stories. An EastEnders spokesperson said to RT tonight: “There are so many more stories that we wanted to tell with Johnny, so we felt that the time was right to unite the Carter family again.”
Our source added: "The Carter family quickly became one of EastEnders's most iconic families and there are lots of stories planned for them, but it felt it would be a shame if those stories had to be told without Johnny's involvement. Whoever gets the job will be landing themselves a dream role."
Actor Sam Strike, who originally played the role, left following a high profile year in Walford that saw Johnny memorably come out to publican dad Mick (Danny Dyer).
The moving moment resulted in EastEnders winning the Media Recognition prize at the 2014 Attitude Awards.
Speaking about the storyline at the time, Strike said: “I was really nervous the night it aired because you want it to look convincing and to do justice by the people that have been there and done it.
“It was a real proving ground for me because it was the first time I actually had to do any proper drama acting. I’ve had letters and Danny’s had letters saying that we’d helped people to come out and it makes things worth it.”
Since leaving EastEnders, Strike has taken on a guest role in BBC crime drama Silent Witness and will next be seen in Texas Chainsaw Massacre prequel Leatherface.
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