EastEnders’ original Johnny Carter actor Sam Strike looks unrecognisable eight years after soap exit

EASTENDERS actor Sam Strike walked away from Albert Square in 2014, and blimey, he hasn’t half changed since then. 

Sam, who played Queen Vic landlords Mick and Linda’ Carter’s son Johnny on Eastenders between 2013 and 2014, was known for his wholesome, clean-cut image. 

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Now, the actor’s boyish appearance has made way for a more mature look, stubble and all, showing he has well and truly left Johnny back in Walford. 

The 28-year-old often pops up on Instagram, with a recent snap showing him posing up a storm in a tight white tee and silver chain. 

Another pic from a few months back sees a rosy-cheeked Sam squatting on a road in a leather jacket and white socks. 

In others, the star flaunts his multiple tattoos and beefy physique, and even lights up a cigarette in one or two. 

During Sam’s brief Easties run, viewers and critics praised his sensitive performance in scenes where Johnny came out as gay to his dad (played by Danny Dyer).

Despite winning fans over and inspiring a string of people to come out, the Essex-born actor decided to bid farewell to the popular BBC soap just a year after his first appearance. 

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Sam opened up about his departure at the time, saying he felt Johnny didn’t have a real place in the show’s current storylines.

He explained: "When I was in talks about leaving, I spoke to the people that I'd been working with the most - including Dom, the executive producer, and the Carters.

"I said to them that if there was anything they really wanted me to do we'd do that, as I didn't want to leave people high and dry.

"At that time I didn't feel that Johnny was totally necessary, but I really enjoyed it and I learned a lot. I have a whole new respect for soaps and the vast quantity of work they have to do."

Since walking away from Albert Square, Sam has landed roles on the likes of crime thriller series MIndhunter and drama series Silent Witness. 

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