EASTENDERS - Shock as Carter member decides to leave show

I was shocked this morning, when it was confirmed that Johnny Carter will be leaving his family behind in Walford. 

The decision was actor, Sam Strike's own, and an EastEnders spokesman has said they are sad to see him leave, but wish him well:

"We can confirm that Sam is leaving EastEnders. We wish him all the best for the future." 

Sam also tweeted fans to confirm his news, saying:

'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. And of course tremendous love to my Carter family . True love.'

It hasn't been said how or why Johnny will end up departing the Square, but it's sure to break mum Linda's heart, when her 'little sausage' flies the nest for good. 

Johnny will be the second Carter to bow out, as it's also recently been revealed that Timothy West is leaving his role as Stan at the end of a terminal cancer storyline, which began last night, when Aunt Babe found out where Stan had secretly gone for the afternoon. 

It's going to be an explosive Carter Christmas, as Linda's rape horror will surely come to a head, and Mick gets revenge on Dean for hurting his wife. But will Linda go through with her abortion before the truth comes out? And if she doesn't, how will Mick feel about the fact the baby could be a result of Dean's attack? 

I'm have a niggling feeling that, should Linda keep the baby, it will turn out to be Mick's - hopefully helping her and her family move on after such a horrific ordeal. If anyone deserves a bit of happiness in soap at the moment it's Linda - who has beautifully been portrayed by Kellie Bright. 

What are your thought's on Johnny's departure and the Carter family's issues?

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EASTENDERS - Congrats to Danny and Sam!

EastEnders stars Danny Dyer and Same Strike have won the Media Recognition prize at this year's Attitude Awards, for their portrayal of Johnny Carter's 'coming out' storyline. 

This January, we saw Sam's character Johnny reveal to his dad, Mick, played by Danny Dyer, that he is gay - and Mick was instantly supportive of Johnny

Danny has, in he past, spoken of his pride in the scenes:

"That coming out scene was beautifully written and I've had many, many letters from young gay men who came out because of it. I love what I do as an actor because it's a great job, but things like that make you realise how much of an impact your work can have on people's lives when you're in a soap. I hadn't quite realised that and it's quite a life-changing thing."

The Carter family are currently going through a turbulent time, with Linda trying to come to terms with being raped by family member Dean Wicks, and Shirley going on the run for shooting Phil Mitchell. 

Catch up with the latest going's on in Albert Square tonight at 7.30pm on BBC1...

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EASTENDERS - The Carter's do the Spice Girls!

It's Linda Carter's birthday next week - and her family make sure it's full of surprises!

The rest of the clan arrange for Mick and Linda's eldest son, Lee, to make a return from Afghanistan for the special day, where he is currently serving in the Army.

Linda will also be introduced to youngest boy, Johnny's new boyfriend, Gianluca - who we saw Johnny meet in Friday's episode. I can imagine this introduction to be slightly awkward, as Linda is still secretly struggling to come to terms with Johnny'd sexuality, albeit admitting she will try harder to allow him to grow up and make his own decisions.

The biggest surprise for Linda on her birthday, though, will surely be the sight of her family dressing up as the Spice Girls and serenading her in front of a packed Queen Vic!

Zig-a-zig-ahh!

Johnny, ironically dressed as Baby, Lee as Scary, Nancy as Sporty and Tina as Ginger really get the party started - but maybe the biggest shock of all is Mick's impression of Posh Spice!

I don't know about you, but I think it suits him...

Mick has been perfecting his pout!

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EASTENDERS - Who's Johnny's secret boyfriend?

Johnny Carter soon returns after running away from his overbearing mum, Linda - and it seems the youngster has a love interest on the horizon.

Having been partying it up at Gay Pride, it's been rumoured that Johnny comes home full of smiles, with a phone non-stop buzzing with texts and a love bite on his neck!

Johnny returns with a new boyfriend

Johnny will be desperate to hide his new man from Linda, who is still struggling to come to terms with her son's sexuality, but the rest of his family - including dad Mick, played by Danny Dyer - will surely be supportive of Johnny's new romance.

His sister, Nancy, has been fighting hard for Johnny to finally let go of the apron strings, trying to convince Linda to let him grow up and be his own person.

But will Linda be able to?

And why is she so protective over her youngest?

Whispers tell me that we will soon delve deeper into Linda's history and realise why she is the way she is.

Why is Linda so protective?
copyright: BBC

 One thing's for certain, though.

The Carter's are fast turning into my favourite 'Enders faaaaamily.

And I always thought I was a Mitchell girl at heart...

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