Sam Strike quits EastEnders’ Johnny Carter role

Only a year after making his debut as EastEnders‘ Johnny Carter, actor Sam Strike has opted to leave the BBC One soap.

The 20 year old has already filmed his final scenes as Johnny who is to depart Walford in an upcoming storyline, the details and timing of which have not been disclosed by show chiefs.

“We can confirm that Sam will be leaving EastEnders. We wish him all the best for the future.” – EastEnders Spokesperson speaking to Radio Times

Johnny is the youngest child of Mick (Danny Dyer) and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), whom Executive Producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins installed in the Queen Vic as part of his plans to revitalise the show. The character and casting was announced by the BBC in October 2013.

Strike won acclaim for the role early on thanks to a moving scene that saw Johnny open up about his sexuality to his father. The scene picked up the Media Recognition Award at October’s Attitude awards.

Confirming his exit on Twitter, Strike wrote: “Thanks for all the love this year guys. Means the world. Decided to bow out. couldn’t have done it without you all . thanks @bbceastenders adding in a further tweet: “And of course tremendous love to my Carter family . True love”.

EastEnders airs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday on BBC One, with a weekly omnibus also on the channel and erratically scheduled repeats on BBC Three. Viewers can also catch up online via BBC iPlayer.