Danny Dyer’s departure from EastEnders marked the end of an era for his beloved character, Mick Carter, who was at the heart of the show for over a decade. As the actor looks back on his time on the soap, one of the moments he holds dear is the groundbreaking storyline in which Mick’s son, Johnny Carter (then played by Sam Strike), came out as gay.
In an upcoming episode of ITV’s The Assembly, which features Dyer alongside other famous personalities like Gary Lineker, David Tennant, and Jade Thirlwall, Danny opened up about this pivotal moment in Mick’s story. Reflecting on one of his favorite scenes, Dyer praised the way the show handled the coming-out storyline, particularly in how Mick, who represented a traditional alpha male figure, reacted to Johnny’s revelation. 
Breaking Stereotypes and Changing Lives
Dyer highlighted how the story broke from the typical soap opera trope where a character coming out as gay often led to chaos, violence, or dramatic consequences. Unlike the characters before him, such as Ben Mitchell, whose coming-out storyline was filled with turmoil and violence, Mick’s reaction was simple, loving, and supportive. “Johnny said ‘I’m gay’ and I went, ‘Come here, I love you,’” Dyer recalled. This heartfelt and calm response was a significant departure from the typical portrayal of LGBTQ+ storylines on television, particularly in soaps.
The moment resonated with many viewers, particularly those who had struggled with their own coming-out journeys. Dyer shared that he received numerous letters and messages from men who had come out the following day after watching the episode. For him, this moment wasn’t just a storyline; it was an opportunity to make a real impact and change people’s lives.
A Platform for Change
Dyer reflected on the unique platform soap operas offer for addressing real-world issues. While many soap storylines may seem sensational or exaggerated, the ability to reach a wide audience and spark meaningful change is something Dyer values. He noted that it’s not always the case, but sometimes, soap operas have the power to influence viewers in ways that other shows can’t.
For Dyer, this was one of the standout moments of his career on EastEnders. His portrayal of Mick reacting to Johnny’s coming out was an important moment in breaking down stereotypes surrounding masculinity and LGBTQ+ issues. It wasn’t just a moment for EastEnders, but one that left a lasting impression on its audience.
The Assembly and Dyer’s Legacy
In the new unseen episode of The Assembly, viewers will get a deeper look into Dyer’s reflections on his career, with the actor discussing various aspects of his time on EastEnders and beyond. The show has already made waves, attracting millions of viewers and becoming one of the most-watched series on ITVX. This episode, featuring additional content with Dyer and his fellow celebrities, promises to offer more personal insights into Dyer’s life and his memorable moments on television.
As Dyer moves forward in his career, fans of EastEnders will continue to remember the legacy of Mick Carter, a character who challenged norms and became an important figure in the portrayal of family and acceptance on British television. Through his role, Dyer was able to contribute to a storyline that transcended entertainment, offering hope and understanding to countless viewers.
