The beloved character Johnny Carter from the long-running BBC soap opera “EastEnders” is making a much-anticipated return to Albert Square, but this time, he’s undergone a transformation as actor Charlie Suff takes on the iconic gay role. Johnny Carter first made his debut a decade ago, portrayed by Sam Strike, as the son of Linda and Mick Carter. His return to the show has always brought dramatic twists and turns, and this time is no exception.
In 2014, Johnny’s heartfelt coming-out storyline to his father Mick touched viewers deeply. After leaving Walford with his first boyfriend Gianluca Cavallo, portrayed by Gabriele Lombardo, he returned in 2016, now played by Ted Reilly. Johnny’s journey was filled with perilous encounters, including being accidentally shot and surviving an ambulance crash. In 2018, Johnny departed once more, but after five years, he’s making a long-awaited comeback.
The new Johnny Carter actor, Charlie Suff, is a rising British talent with a background in theatre, TV, and film. Suff’s notable roles include Tommy Wilson in ITV’s “Grantchester” and appearances in ITV’s “Grace” and the Barons Court Theatre production of “Lemons, Lemons, Lemons.” Suff expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m so delighted to be joining such an iconic program. Johnny is a complex character who has been through so much, which I can’t wait to explore.”
Charlie Suff follows in the footsteps of Sam Strike and Ted Reilly in portraying Johnny Carter, a character celebrated for his moving coming-out storyline and his journey through love and self-acceptance. Johnny’s character resonated with audiences, particularly in his simple yet powerful coming-out scene with Mick. As Sam Strike reflected, “The scene wasn’t about fighting the world, but it was that simple day-to-day thing of just telling your dad that you’re gay. That’s what was important about that.”
With Johnny Carter’s return coinciding with a major Christmas murder mystery involving his mother, Linda, EastEnders fans can expect a storyline filled with family dynamics and surprises. Chris Clenshaw, the boss of “EastEnders,” teased, “Johnny will be returning to a very different Walford than the one he left.”
As the LGBTQ community eagerly awaits Johnny Carter’s return to the small screen, the character’s enduring significance in the soap opera’s history remains undeniable, showcasing the importance of LGBTQ representation in mainstream television.
Don’t miss Johnny Carter’s return to “EastEnders,” airing Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One.
