EastEnders' Johnny Carter will be seen sharing a romantic kiss with new arrival Gianluca in upcoming episodes, and homophobic viewers are already kicking up a fuss.
The Walford regular, played by Sam Strike, will fall for Gianluca (Gabriele Lombardo) but end up gutted when he heads back to Italy. Their fond farewell at the station results in Johnny telling him he wants to go along after clashing with his mother.
Strike teased: "All I can tell you is that something happens that forces him to change course. It's good!"
Johnny and Gianluca (BBC)
A small minority of viewers have already moaned about the scene on social media, however - a whole week before it even hits the air.
"Nothing against gays, but please dont advertise it on t.v.. Dont want my kids seeing that (sic)," wrote one on Facebook.
Johnny says goodbye (BBC)
"Sad man you are," someone responded, while another snapped back: "Yeah and the affairs, murders, alcoholism in eastenders is a good example for your kids".
Another fan trolled: "I'm not even going there, you sick individuals, God made Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve, And if your Dad's were P£#%s you would not be here today because two men can't produce". That comment too was met with a chorus of disagreement.
Ofcom received a handful of complaints back in January when Johnny was seen coming out to dad Mick (Danny Dyer) following a kiss with another man. The writer of the episode said the minor furore made him feel "prouder" to have penned it.
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