Ted Reilly is joining the cast of 'EastEnders' as Johnny Carter.
EastEnders casts new Johnny Carter
He replaces Sam Strike as the son of Queen Vic landlords Mick and Linda Carter. 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.
Dominic Treadwell-Collins says: "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 and, after massive casting sessions and recalls with Danny and Kellie, we have found in Ted not only a brilliant actor, but the perfect Johnny Carter."
Ted said of securing the role: "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!"
Meanwhile, a source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Ted knows this is a big chance for him and he is really excited about joining the soap. Johnny was a controversial character before with lots of big storylines so he will come back onto the show with a bang."
Speaking previously about the decision to bring back Johnny, an 'EastEnders' spokesperson said: "There are so many more stories that we wanted to tell with Johnny, so we felt that the time was right to unite the Carter family again.
"The Carter family quickly became one of 'EastEnders' most iconic families and there are lots of stories planned for them, but it felt it would be a shame if those stories had to be told without Johnny's involvement. Whoever gets the job will be landing themselves a dream role."
Ted's previous acting credits include 'Call The Midwife', 'Casualty' and 'Grantchester'.