EASTENDERS has cast actor James Roberts to play a young Mick Carter in his abuse plot.
The Queen Vic landlord will revisit his horrific childhood in heartbreaking flashback scenes this New Year.
And it leads to Mick, played by Danny Dyer, 43, contemplate suicide.
HOAR can reveal that as Mick hits rock bottom on NYE, the soap introduces child actor James.
James is a first year student at Trinity School, but is taking time out of his studies to play a 12-year-old boy in care.
This is the first television show James has landed in his short career.
He played Charles Dickens’s youngest son in A Very Very Very Dark Matter at the Bridge Theatre.
James’ mother is a double in the BBC soap.
She told James’ school: “It’s been amazing to see all the various sets of EastEnders – including the outside Square itself plus all the internal shots which are filmed in the studios.
“He met Danny Dyer, who was very friendly and had a ‘tea break’, sitting in the Queen Vic which was fun!”
Viewers have watched as Mick has become increasingly despondent — experiencing panic attacks and mental health problems because of sexual abuse he experienced as a child.
It has led to him pushing his wife Linda away, and she’s found solace in the arms of serial lothario Max.
In the New Year’s Eve episode, things spiral further for Mick, who will be seen calling charity Samaritans in his lowest moment.
