'EastEnders' bosses have promised there is "so much in store" for Johnny Carter.
EastEnders have big plans for Johnny Carter
The character is returning to Albert Square - with Ted Reilly recast in the role - after taking time out to go travelling and show chief Dominic Treadwell-Collins has promised he will be in the thick of the action with the Carter family's next big storyline.
Executive producer Dominic said: "Johnny is a key member of the Carter family and he's been missing over the past year and a half, when so much has happened to the Carters.
"As the family embark on their next big storyline to take them through 2016, it felt wrong not to have Johnny back to play a big part in that - and learn everything that has happened while he has been away.
"We have so much in store for Johnny and so many stories to tell. After massive casting sessions and recalls with Danny [Dyer] and Kellie [Bright], we have found in Ted not only a brilliant actor, but the perfect Johnny Carter."
Meanwhile, Ted is thrilled to be taking over from Sam Strike as the son of Mick and Linda Carter.
He said: "I'm truly delighted to be joining such an iconic show. The Carters are a fantastic family and I can't wait to get started."
Johnny's last appearance on the BBC soap was December 2014 when he came out as gay before leaving to go travelling with his boyfriend.
Since he left walford, it emerged his mum Linda had been raped by Dean Wicks, and Shirley Carter - who he thought was his aunt - is actually his grandmother.