By Daily Mail Reporter
Published: 04:37 EST, 29 June 2014 | Updated: 09:58 EST, 29 June 2014
EastEnders character Johnny Carter, played by Sam Strike, 20, is set to face heartbreak after he falls for a handsome Italian.
In an episode aired next month, Johnny finds himself facing a dilemma after meeting a new beau, who subsequently leaves him to head back to his native country.
He meets Gianluca, played by Gabriele Lombardo, at the Gay Pride celebrations before taking him home to meet the rest of his family in Albert Square.
Romance: Johnny tells new love Gianluca that he wants to go to France with him
After an awkward introduction, Linda (Kellie Bright), who has struggled to accept her son's sexuality, tries to be supportive of her son.
The couple head upstairs for some quality time together, but it appears that their love affair is not set to last.
The lovebirds kiss passionately at the station, before Gianluca goes back to Italy with Johnny saying that he wants to follow him.
Head over heels: Johnny seems to have fallen for his Italian beau, in scenes aired next month
Dilemma: Johnny is faced with the decision of weather to follow his new love to Italy
Strike, whose character has previously left home after rowing with his mother over his sexuality, has hinted that that his character will not leave Walford.
He said: 'All I can tell is you is that something happens that forces him to change course. It's good!'
Johnny revealed that he was gay earlier this year in moving scenes when he opened up to his dad Mick Carter (Danny Dyer), which won a British Soap Award nomination.
Close: Mick Carter (Danny Dryer) and Carter (Sam Strike) share a strong father-son relationship
In previous episodes, viewers have seen him develop feelings for Danny Pennant, played by Gary Lucy, before they shared a kiss.
The scene resulted in two complaints, with writer Pete Lawson tweeting: '2014, and gay teens kissing on a soap still draws complaints. Makes me even prouder to have written that ep.'
Writer Pete Lawson said: '10 years ago Coronation Street had complaints when I wrote Todd kissing Nick... now complaints about EastEnders gay kiss... no progress.'
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