BBC Share By Joel Harley Nov 14 2025 By Joel Harley Nov 14 2025 Opinion: Junior Knight deserved better... here's why EastEnders made a huge mistake in axeing Micah Balfour An unsatisfying send-off to an underutilised character Features Junior Knight Share By Joel Harley Nov 14 2025 By Joel Harley Nov 14 2025 Junior Knight left EastEnders this week, marking an end to his time in Albert Square after only 18 months. Junior arrived to great pomp and circumstance last year, reuniting with dad George at an off-the-books bareknuckle boxing match. It quickly became clear that father and son shared a tumultous relationship, with Junior feeling as though his dad hadn’t always been there for him growing up. Their animosity grew as Junior decided to stick around, embarking upon a controversial affair with his dad’s ex-wife, Cindy. Since then, Junior’s been at something of a loose end, and decided to pack his bags after his latest disagreement with George. Junior bid farewell to Walford yesterday (Credit: BBC) EastEnders airs Junior Knight’s exit from the soap In the wake of Junior’s exit, the soap uploaded an emotional farewell video to its social media channels. “I just did my final scene on the show,” departing actor Micah Balfour told the camera. “It’s been such an amazing honour and privilege for me to be on this show,” he continued. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers “Growing up, this was the show that all my family sat round to watch. So to be a part, a small part, of its history is like… it’s a great honour for me. He finished: “So thank you for sticking by Junior, I know he’s been a character but yeah, it’s been a privilege. So thank you.” A heartfelt goodbye. But did Junior deserve more from EastEnders? George and Junior shared a tumultuous relationship (Credit: BBC) EastEnders should have better explored Junior and George’s relationship Much of George and Junior’s issues stemmed from the fact that they’re very similar people. Specifically, where women are concerned. Between Junior’s resentment of how George treated his ex-wife (and Junior’s mum) Sabrina, and his own infatuation with Cindy, the man had some severe issues. He hated George while simultaneously indulging in that behaviour himself – cheating on his own wife, Monique, with Bianca, for instance. It was a layered, complex relationship, and one which neither managed to get to the bottom of. Instead, a hastily put-together reconciliation aired as Junior secured Kojo’s future in Walford, and father and son set aside their differences. We’re glad Junior and George parted on good terms, but it didn’t feel earned – nor particularly genuine, on either man’s part. It should have been given time to breathe and play out, but instead, Junior’s been wasted over the last few months; largely forgotten since the whole Cindy affair. Junior showed a different side to himself with Kojo (Credit: BBC) His family ties should have been unpacked When not cheating on his wife and sulking at his dad, Junior did occasionally show glimpses of a softer side. In particular, his warmth toward uncle Kojo (to whom he gifted his car, before leaving). Micah shared a similar sense of chemistry with the wider cast, including sisters Anna and Gina, and George’s sometime-housemate Nigel, too. Rather than forgetting about him after the Cindy affair, it would have been great to see him build even more ties on the Square… and not just with whoever he’s sleeping with at the time. Junior’s been wasted since his affair (Credit: BBC) Junior in EastEnders: we barely got to know him! And what, in the end, did we really learn about Junior? In the end, the character barely got to grow or develop after the affair. While the soap could have explored his need to not be like his father, or even his relationship with his own son, it chose to sideline poor Junior. He remains just as much of an enigma now as he did when he joined, having learned and accomplished little in his time on Albert Square. Just look at his reaction to discovering George’s affair with Nicola; or the scene where Anna moots making an omelette for Kojo. Junior didn’t have to be angry or resentful all the time, and it was during his less guarded moments that we got to see the funny, kind man underneath. Sure, that’s just how life is sometimes, but it would have been nice to know a little more about what makes Junior tick. Junior first appeared in May (Credit: BBC) Micah Balfour’s talents weren’t fully utilised Fans were quick to celebrate as the BBC announced Micah’s casting last year. The actor, who previously appeared on The Bill and Emmerdale, was one of good pedigree, and more than capable of standing his own against formidable screen dad Colin Salmon. Tough guy; shrewd businessman; love rat. Junior was a man of many dimensions, even if the soap neglected to show them, most of the time. And while Micah did great work with what he was given, what he was given wasn’t always… well, very much. Let’s hope the soap gives him the opportunity to finish what he started at some point in the future. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Nov 14 2025 By Joel Harley Nov 14 2025
