George Knight hasn’t had an easy time of it of late in EastEnders, and things are about to get even tougher as his estranged son, Junior, is about to make his first appearance in Albert Square. The pair have a complicated father-son relationship, and Junior’s arrival doesn’t come at the best time for his dad, as George is currently spiralling following the death of his adoptive mum Gloria on 11 April.
The EastEnders team aren’t revealing much about Junior’s past and his relationship with his dad just yet, although it is guaranteed to be a shocking reunion. Micah Balfour is the actor taking on the role of Junior, alongside Colin Salmon as his dad.
Known for his roles as PC Benjamin Gayle in long-running police drama The Bill and as Dr Bailey in Emmerdale, 45 year old Micah has also appeared in Casualty, Death In Paradise, Holby City and true crime drama The Gold.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the cast of EastEnders as part of the Knight family,” he said. “I grew up watching the show and many of the characters have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, so walking onto the Square for the first time was the most surreal experience of my career!
"It’s a privilege to work with Colin Salmon, who I’ve watched with admiration for many years, and Francesca Henry and Molly Rainford, who are dynamite on screen, as well as the amazing Harriet Thorpe and Kellie Bright. Junior is an exciting character to play as he’s a complex man, and he’s going to cause a bit of a stir!”
Micah has already begun filming on EastEnders, and his first episodes are expected to be shown later this month. Chris Clenshaw, executive producer on the soap, also commented on Micah’s arrival while dropping a small hint about what effect his character’s arrival will have on the Knight family.
“I’m delighted to welcome Micah Balfour to the cast of EastEnders as he takes on the role of Junior Knight,” Chris said. “Although Junior has been referenced since the Knights arrived in the Square, the audience knows very little about George’s son and the circumstances behind their estrangement. Junior arrives in Walford following an unlikely meet with his dad and is quickly thrust into the heart of the drama. However, it will soon become apparent to viewers that there is more to Junior than meets the eye.”
