EastEnders have released the first image of Johnny Carter’s return to the square with Granchester actor Charlie Suff taking over the role.
The character is making his comeback after five-years to discover his mother Linda a in the depths of alcoholism as she struggles to cope with the guilt of brutally murdering Keanu Taylor on Christmas Day.
Solicitor Johnny looks suave in a suit and tie as he surprises his mother (Kellie Bright) with a visit, before putting her to bed in a bid to sleep off her drunken stupor.
He is also set for even more heartache as he will no doubt deal with the mystery of his missing father Mick (Danny Dyer) not to mention the fact Linda’s rapist – and his uncle – Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) is also back in Walford.
Johnny was last spotted in Walford was in January 2018, when he departed Walford for a new legal career in Manchester.
EastEnders have released the first image of Johnny Carter’s return to the square with Granchester actor Charlie Suff taking over the role (pictured with co-star Kellie Bright)
The character is making his comeback after five-years to discover his mother Linda a in the depths of alcoholism as she struggles to cope with the guilt of brutally murdering Keanu Taylor on Christmas Day
Actor Charlie is best known for playing Tommy Wilson in the ITV period drama Grantchester and is the third actor to take on the role.
Speaking about the casting he said: ‘Johnny is a complex character who has been through so much, which I can’t wait to explore,’ he said.
‘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 said he was ‘delighted’ for Charlie to come on board – as he remarked Johnny’s remains are still ‘linked to the show’ as well to the iconic venue, The Queen Vic.
He said: ‘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 first played by Sam Strike, made his debut in the soap in December 2013 alongside the new Carter family before departing a year later.
His coming out storyline touched the hearts of many viewers, as he was eventually accepted by his parent.
The character was once again introduced in 2016 played by Ted Reilly, and stayed on screen for almost two years.
Actor Charlie is best known for playing Tommy Wilson in the ITV period drama Grantchester and is the third actor to take on the role
Johnny first played by Sam Strike (pictured) made his debut in the soap in December 2013 alongside the new Carter family before departing a year later
The character was once again introduced in 2016 played by Ted Reilly (pictured, left) and stayed on screen for almost two years
Earlier this week EastEnders fans admitted their ‘jaws are on the floor’ after two characters made a shocking return to the soap.
The episode saw a surprise appearance from the recently-murdered Keanu Taylor, as Denise Fox’s mental health continued to spiral in the wake of his death.
Denise has been plagued by nightmares and visions of Keanu after accidentally leaving her necklace on his body when he was killed by Linda , meaning she could be linked back to the crime.
The episode saw Denise wake up screaming in terror after a nightmare that saw Keanu bury her alive.
And while Keanu’s appearance did leave many fans aghast, it was another twist in the episode’s closing moments that left viewers utterly speechless.
Earlier this week EastEnders fans admitted their ‘jaws are on the floor’ after two characters made a shocking return to the soap
The latest episode also saw a surprise appearance from Keanu Taylor, as Denise Fox was plagued with visions of him after he was murdered on Christmas Day
Denise decided to join Yolande Trueman at her church group, with Pastor Clayton suggesting that she unburden herself by confiding in God.
When Denise suggested that God may not want to listen, Pastor Clayton said she should seek advice from someone else who had been in her position, adding that she may be able to talk to God through them.
In a shocking twist, viewers saw Denise pay a visit to a prison, where she came face-to-face with her serial killer ex-husband Lucas Johnson.
The former pastor made his ex’s life hell when he imprisoned her and claimed she had been killed in a bid to cover up his own crimes, before being thrown in prison.
He then made a brief return to the soap in 2020, but was arrested once again after being caught with drugs by police.
