EastEnders favourite to return after five years – as third actor takes on role

EASTENDERS is bringing back Johnny Carter – with his third face.

Grantchester actor Charlie Suff has become the third actor to play the gay solicitor son of Mick and Linda Carter.

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Johnny was last seen in Walford in January 2018 and since then he’s been living in Manchester and working as a lawyer.

But now he’s set to make a shock return after the disappearance of his dad and mum Linda’s troubles.

Actor Charlie – who trained at the Bristol Old Vic and has also worked on stage and in short films – has already begun filming.

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: “I’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 on EastEnders alongside mum Linda, played by Kellie Bright, and dad Mick (Danny Dyer) in December 2013.

Played by Sam Strike, the fresh-faced 19 year old 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 with Johnny heading over to Italy to spend time with his new lover.

Two years later, the BBC introduced Johnny once again, this time played by Ted Reilly, who joined amid a difficult time for the Carter’s following Linda’s rape at the hands of Dean Wicks 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 (Maddy Hill) and Lee have reappeared or during last Christmas’ saga that saw Mick disappear at sea.

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