EastEnders has confirmed that Ted Reilly, who plays Johnny Carter, will be leaving the soap in the coming weeks.
Read more: EastEnders fans even more baffled as character’s disappearance is explained
The Sun Online reports that his character has already been written out of the BBC One show and will leave screens in the new year.
A BBC spokeswoman confirmed: “We can confirm Ted has finished filming with EastEnders and wish him all the best for the future.”
Ted took over the role of Mick and Linda’s second youngest last year after a 14 month absence from Walford.
His storylines have included a one night stand with Ben Mitchell and being shot by neighbour Ted Murray in the aftermath of September’s gas explosion.
There was some speculation over Ted’s future in the show when he signed up to appear in a play in January.
His exit has now been confirmed.
The role of Johnny was originally played by Sam Strike, who quit the show in 2014 to take on Hollywood.
With Linda’s ‘little sausage’ flying the nest, her and Mick will only be left with youngest son, Ollie.
Ted joins Jacqueline Jossa, Lorna Fitzgerald and Harry Reid – aka Lauren, Abi and Ben – who have also been axed from the show.
Fans have already begun to speculate as to whether on not Johnny’s exit will have anything to do with Ben’s – or the downfall of the Carters who look set to lose their beloved Queen Vic.
“Wonder if johnny exit is anything to do with Ben’s exit?” pondered one viewer.
While another added: “I love johnny he’s so lovely be sad see him go but let’s be honest carters falling apart. Linda to leave next pls!!!”
And a third simply tweeted: “He didn’t last long.”
It’s not yet known if Johnny and Ben’s exits are linked.