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 a gay lawyer, the son of Mick and Linda Carter.

Charlie Suff took over the role of Johnny Carter in EastEndersCredit: Yellow Belly

Johnny was last seen in Walford in January 2018 and has since been living in Manchester working as a solicitor.

But now a shock comeback is in store after the disappearance of his father 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 started filming.

Charlie said: “I’m so delighted to be joining such an iconic program – EastEnders was always in my house 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 friendliest and most welcoming place to work and I already feel like part 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 in the Square for almost five years, his character remains associated with the show and its most legendary venue, The Queen Vic.

“Since he has been away for a short time, the dynamics of the Carter family have changed significantly and it is safe to say that Johnny will return to a very different Walford to 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 to the curb when he was involved in an emotionally charged story that brought tears to viewers’ eyes.

His close relationship with Mick led to his dad accepting him regardless of his sexuality, despite his typical stubborn personality, as mum Linda was the one who initially struggled with the news.

Johnny enjoyed a romance with Italian Gianluca during the summer, and after only a year in the role, Sam quit his job and Johnny went to Italy to spend time with his new lover.

Two years later, the BBC reintroduced Johnny, this time as Ted Reilly, who joined at a difficult time for the Carters following Linda’s rape by Dean Wicks and his brother Lee’s (Danny-Boy Hatchard) bout of depression.

However, the character left Walford again in January 2018 and has not been seen since, even when siblings Nancy (Maddy Hill) and Lee reappeared or during the last Christmas saga where Mick disappeared at sea.