There's a piece from the Inside Soap Awards here:
http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/east...ter-big-plans/
"I can't really say anything because they haven't told me," he explained.
"I'm told there are some big plans and I'm excited to see them - but they're keeping a lot under wraps!"
I suspect this is linked with the Carters' next big storyline, and Lee's exit. If, as speculated, Lee commits suicide or goes missing, that would certainly push Johnny to the forefront. That would his big test really, with what kind of material he can cope with.