Lucas Johnson

Lucas Johnson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Don Gilet. He made his first on-screen appearance on 3 April 2008.[1] Lucas is introduced as a reformed drug addict and criminal-turned-preacher who appears as the estranged father of established character Chelsea Fox (Tiana Benjamin/Zaraah Abrahams). He also has a young son, Jordan (Michael-Joel Stuart), and later goes on to marry Chelsea's mother Denise (Diane Parish) - whom he had previously been in a relationship with prior to their reunion.

For the artist, see Lucas Johnson (artist).

Lucas Johnson
EastEnders character
Portrayed byDon Gilet
Duration2008–2010, 2016, 2020–
First appearanceEpisode 3554
3 April 2008 (2008-04-03)
Introduced byDiederick Santer (2008)
Dominic Treadwell-Collins (2016)
Kate Oates and Jon Sen (2020)
Spin-off
appearances		EastEnders: E20 (2010)
ClassificationPresent; regular
Profile
OccupationPastor
Community centre manager

While the character originally appeared to be respectfully dedicated to his own religious convictions, Lucas slowly became the show’s secondary antagonist when he causes the death of his former wife Trina (Sharon Duncan Brewster) by leaving her to die in a raking accident; murders Denise's ex-husband Owen Turner (Lee Ross) on their wedding day; drowning his son's dog Sugar after the latter virtually risks unearthing Owen's corpse; and strangling Denise before locking her up in a basement while allowing her family to believe that she is responsible for the murders - with Lucas killing another woman to use as Denise's supposed body so that her family could believe that she committed suicide. The character soon departed on 30 July 2010 when Lucas gets arrested for the murders of Trina and Owen, both of which were publicly exposed after he allowed Denise to escape and she subsequently exposed his homicidal crimes to her family - which resulted in Lucas briefly holding Denise and her family hostage until he eventually turned himself in. Lucas made a previously unannounced reappearance on 1 January 2016 before returning for a short stint in the year, in which he escaped prison until he was rearrested and left the programme again on 10 March 2016.[2] On 1 October 2020, it was announced that Gilet was set to reprise his role, and he returned on 25 December 2020.[3]

During his time working on the show, Gilet has described Lucas as having "Jekyll and Hyde" aspects to his character. This multi-faceted personality was further explored in the BBC Three special EastEnders: The Two Faces of Lucas.[4] The character also appeared in the spin-off series EastEnders: E20.

Storylines

2008–2010

Lucas Johnson first appears on Albert Square when his estranged daughter, Chelsea Fox (Tiana Benjamin), tracks him down to a community service - whereupon she discovers that he is a preacher. Lucas, confronted by Chelsea, explains that he was seventeen when Chelsea was born and abandoned her along with her mother Denise (Diane Parish) - as he could not cope with fatherhood. He became a drug addict but overcame his addiction and joined the church. Chelsea reluctantly agrees to give Lucas a chance, but is unhappy to learn he has a son, Jordan (Michael-Joel David Stuart). Lucas comes to Chelsea's aid when she develops a drug habit but Denise is furious to see him and tells him to stay away. Denise eventually forgives Lucas and they rekindle their relationship, becoming engaged.

Jordan reveals that Lucas is still married to his mother, Trina (Sharon Duncan Brewster), though Lucas explains they are separated as she abandoned Jordan after he was born prematurely and addicted to heroin. Trina repeatedly tries to come between Lucas and Denise. She eventually agrees to a divorce, planning to move to Walford to be with Jordan. Lucas and Trina have sex, and during an argument, Lucas pushes her away and unintentionally causes her throat to be impaled on a rake. He leaves her to die, making it appear that she died in an accident while taking drugs. The coroner subsequently gives a verdict of accidental death.

Denise's ex-husband, Owen Turner (Lee Ross), suspects Lucas was involved in Trina's death and confronts him on his wedding day. When Owen threatens to go to the police, Lucas strangles him to death. He marries Denise and buries Owen's body in Albert Square, under a tree planted in Trina's memory. When Jordan's sheepdog, Sugar, starts sniffing around the tree, Lucas disposes of her at a nearby canal, telling his family that she ran away. Jordan is later hospitalised after being attacked by Ben Mitchell (Charlie Jones) and Lucas blames himself, leading to him suffering a breakdown. He meets a woman named Jade (Niamh Webb) in a bar and takes her to a secluded area, where he forces her to kneel and pray. Denise becomes suspicious after finding deep scratch marks on his neck, so Lucas takes her to visit Jade, who reveals that Lucas baptised her and washed away her sins. She says it will help her give up her alcohol dependence and get her daughter back. Denise tells Lucas that she is proud of what he has done.

Owen's body is discovered when Trina's tree is accidentally broken. Lucas confesses to Denise, claiming he killed him in self-defence. Denise is horrified but urges Lucas not to tell the police. He later admits that he could have saved Trina's life but chose not to, claiming that he will go to the police and tell them everything. Instead, he takes Denise to a canal, intending to baptise her. When Denise refuses to submit to God, he strangles her and fakes her suicide. Lucas murders a prostitute, Gemma Charleston (Rita Balogun), who resembles Denise, and places her body in the canal. He implicates Denise in Trina and Owen's murders, while keeping her prisoner in the basement of the empty house next door. Lucas gradually realises that his actions were wrong and allows Denise to escape. He attempts to take his family hostage, but they escape and Lucas is arrested. In his jail cell, he scratches religious messages on the wall with his finger nails, causing them to bleed. He writes "sorry" in his blood, and hands his bible to an officer, saying he will not need it where he is going. In February 2011, Denise watches as Lucas is sentenced (off-screen) to life imprisonment. She celebrates her divorce from him, but does consider visiting him in January 2013 when he sends her a visiting order.

2016

Years later, after discovering Jordan has been in trouble with the police, Denise tells her daughter Libby Fox (Belinda Owusu) that she is going to visit Lucas in prison. She receives a visiting order but changes her mind. Lucas then calls Denise, asking why she did not visit him, and she tells him not to call her again, hanging up on him. However, one month later, jealous of all the couples around her and hoping to get help for Jordan, she contacts Lucas and tells him she is coming to visit him in prison. Lucas tells Denise that he has taken all responsibilities for his past actions, as he has been mentally ill and wanted to believe he was being guided by some spiritual being. Lucas admits to Denise that he is still in love with her, although she denies still being in love with him, and reveals that he is aware of Jordan being in trouble with the police. Lucas then encourages Denise to find him herself so she can help him. Denise later finds Jordan (now played by Joivan Wade) and convinces him and his son JJ Johnson (Zayden Kareem) to move in with her. Lucas then sends her flowers so Denise visits him in prison to tell him not to send her anything again and that she will no longer visit him. Lucas then asks Denise to ask Jordan to visit him, which she does. Initially, Jordan wants to visit Lucas to tell him to stay away from him, but Denise's friend Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) convinces him not to, not wanting Lucas to try to control him like he did to Denise. Jordan eventually decides to visit Lucas, however, and he and Denise are persuaded to help Lucas get onto a scheme that would allow him to apply for jobs and be granted more visiting hours. After Denise gives a statement, his application is accepted, but Lucas and Jordan plan to use the scheme to help Lucas break out of prison. He uses Jordan to try and convince Denise to come with them, but when she learns what is happening, she alerts Libby who calls the police. Lucas and Jordan are both taken into custody. Denise and Patrick later visit Lucas in prison. Lucas declares that he needs Denise and she warns him never to contact her again.

2020–

Lucas returns to Walford after being released from prison on Christmas Day 2020, having reunited with his daughter Chelsea (now Zaraah Abrahams). Denise takes her son Raymond Dawkins to a Christmas service where Lucas is a speaker. Denise and Raymond leave once she realizes who he is, but Lucas follows them outside. He attempts to explain, but Denise makes it clear she's not interested. She is surprised to see Chelsea with Lucas, and urges her to return to Walford with her but she refuses. Patrick then finds Lucas and warns him off. Lucas then talks to Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) who is unaware of his true identity. Patrick visits Phil and requests him to scare Lucas away. Phil meets him in a restaurant and threatens him to never return to Walford. When Lucas and Chelsea are leaving the restaurant, Lucas gets beaten up by thugs. A week later, Lucas returns to the square and starts stalking Denise as he watches her with her boyfriend Jack Branning (Scott Maslen). The following day, Denise finds out what Patrick and Phil did and decides to move in with Jack. When Patrick is alone in the house, Lucas turns up to confront him. During a heated argument, Patrick collapses and suffers a stroke. Lucas initially decides not to call for help but changes his mind and calls for an ambulance anonymously to protect himself from been rearrested. He later asks Denise to meet him, which she agrees. Denise warns Lucas not to come to the square again or she’ll call the police. Chelsea is later seen taking a phone call from a mystery assailant, where it is revealed that she was behind Lucas’s attack. Denise later finds out that Phil wasn’t behind Lucas’s attack and asks to meet him so she can warn him that someone else is out to get him. Lucas agrees to stay away from Walford in order to protect Chelsea. However, Chelsea later finds Lucas sleeping rough. She tries to persuade him to move in with her but Lucas refuses. Denise later agrees to meet Lucas again. Lucas tries to convince Denise that he’s a changed man. He also reveals that Jordan died from a heroin overdose. After been persuaded by Patrick and Jack, Denise later agrees to let Jack rent one of his flats in the square out to Lucas. Lucas sees one of the guys who attacked him with Chelsea and confronts him. Lucas tells him that Chelsea’s filled him in on what’s going on and soon realises that Chelsea is trying to set him up for drug smuggling. Chelsea later tells Lucas she’s taking him away to Ibiza. However, Lucas tells Chelsea he’d be breaking his parole conditions if he left the country. However, despite this, Chelsea still decides to go ahead with the plan. Denise later works out that they are going away together and confronts Lucas, unaware of Chelsea’s plan. Chelsea lies to Lucas and tells him she’s told the police about their holiday and that he’s been cleared to go. Lucas tries to persuade Chelsea to go with Denise instead but agrees to go with her if that’s what she wants. However, on the day they’re due to go, Lucas fails to turn up for their taxi. Denise finds a devastated Chelsea crying and thinks that Lucas has let her down, so goes round to the flat to confront him. While Denise has a go at Lucas, he starts to break down and lashes out at Denise. Jack and Chelsea later call round to the flat and find blood on the floor and Lucas and Denise missing. Jack calls the police. He later finds Lucas walking around the square and chases after him, with Callum Highway (Tony Clay) in tow. Despite Callum’s requests to have Lucas arrested, Jack kidnaps him and holds him hostage in the Arches. Lucas insists he has nothing to do with nothing to do with Denise’s disappearance. Jack tries to beat Lucas up, but is restrained by Callum. While Callum and Jack argue, Lucas escapes. Denise is later found kidnapped by an unknown assailant.

Creation and development

Introduction (2008)

Gilet's casting in the show was announced in January 2008, when the character was described as "attractive, charismatic, strong and forthright" and "just a dodgy geezer with a murky past."[1] His profile on the official EastEnders website describes him as "an upstanding member of the community, a far cry from the youth he once was."[5] Through the show's narrative, it is revealed that Lucas is a former drug addict and has gone on to become a preacher in a Christian church.

In February 2009, it was announced that Sharon Duncan Brewster had been cast as Lucas's estranged wife Trina. Entertainment website Digital Spy reported: "Trina arrives and surprises Lucas and she makes it very clear she wants to give things another go. Lucas tries to get rid of her but his secret is out when Patrick (Rudolph Walker) sees what's going on. Just how willing will Trina be to let her husband walk into the arms of another woman? And more importantly, will she divorce him to enable him to marry again?"[6] Despite his connection with the church, in September 2009 Lucas attempts to cover up his involvement in Trina's death. Gilet told Soaplife magazine, "When he first appeared someone wrote in saying he was a good character, but somewhere down the line something was going to come unstuck. We've always known there was more to this do-gooder than meets the eye. Things are going to get a lot darker in the build-up to Christmas. [...] It's going to get very dark and I hope I can pull it off."[7] Lucas went on to kill Denise's ex-husband Owen Turner (Lee Ross) when he came close to discovering how Lucas was involved in Trina's death. Gilet explained that although Lucas does not want people dead and has no malice in his heart, he sees killing as a way to stop things from happening.[8] When the show's executive producer Diederick Santer was asked by Digital Spy what was lined up for Lucas in 2010, he said "He's got right on his side, hasn't he? Is the world a better place without Trina? Probably, yes. Is the world a better place without Owen? Well, I don't know about that, but he's not a particularly nice person... Lucas is doing the Lord's work and who knows what that's doing to his head maybe he'll kill again. Lucas's story is 'poised' and we're just trying to work out the exact timing of the long-term story. There's brilliant stuff in the pipeline — it's one for a slow burn really. We have Lucas who's a murderer. Will he murder again? Who's the next person to cross him? He's one dangerous man."[9]

Characterisation

Gilet described Lucas as having "Jekyll and Hyde" aspects to his character, and tries to hide the darker side of his personality from Denise. Gilet commented: "Every actor enjoys playing a character who's flawed – but how long can Lucas continue to hide the dark side of himself before the cracks start to show? I think a lot of people reckon the clock might be ticking. This story has shocked some people! I was getting fan mail where people were saying what a nice guy he was – and, of course, now they know he's not."[10] Gilet has called Lucas "a very good character to play because of his complexity", explaining: "I think that's partly because he's a guy who always strives to do the right thing but his path for doing that gets warped as time goes on. I think his heart started off in the right place but - partly because of his drug-addled years - he has a slightly warped outlook on life."[11] Asked whether he felt Lucas was truly bad, Gilet replied:

On the surface it doesn't seem that bad and he thinks he's got a good moral sense of right and wrong but if you push through and try to find what's at the kernel of who he is, you'll probably find a very angry character. He's got a lot of rage in him and he's using God as a kind of anger management that kicks him on the right track. When he has problems and his world is threatened - something he's worked so hard for over the years and he's an upstanding member of the community, people look to him and respect him - when that's threatened, when people like Trina come back into his life, it's his past returning. That's when the complexity comes in.

— Don Gilet, Digital Spy[11]

Gilet has characterised Lucas as having a "carnal side" with which he is "constantly at odds", explaining: "There are times when that human and carnal side to him, the side that gives in to temptation, is going to come through. As time goes on, that strong moral side to him starts to chip away and this chink of darkness starts to show and unravel. It's a Pandora's box, in a way."[11] Discussing Lucas's relationship with Denise, Gilet refuted the suggestion that Denise was a "token wife" deeming her more reliable than Trina and expanding: "He's found a woman who's strong-willed, strong-minded, a good mother to their shared child and to Libby (Belinda Owusu) and Jordan. It's kind of ideal and he's worked so hard for it. Nothing, but nothing, should stop that - he deserves to have this. It's one of these situations where he likes the idea that he's earned this relationship. That seems to be more of a priority than the pure love he has for her. He loves what he's earned and he's now this respectable person who wants to hold on to what he has by any means necessary."[11] After Owen's body is discovered, Lucas confesses to Denise, and goes on to strangle her while quoting a line from the Bible. Complaints were received from viewers that Lucas's storyline was offensive to Christians. The BBC responded with a statement saying: "Lucas is certainly not intended to be representative of Christians. He is a very damaged and dangerous individual who has created a twisted version of the Christian 'faith' in his mind to hide behind and to convince himself that his actions are acceptable. As the story unfolds, we will see other characters questioning Lucas's claim to be a Christian. As Lucas has become increasingly unhinged, his obsession and reliance on the Bible and the scriptures has become increasingly frantic and desperate. This represents this character's emotional breakdown, and it is very clear that this is absolutely not normal behaviour. In episodes yet to broadcast, we will see the characters Grace [Olubunmi], Mercy [Olubunmi] and Dot [Branning] – all three of whom are Christians – question and discuss Lucas's frame of mind."[12] It was confirmed that Gilet would depart from the show at the end of the storyline.[13]

In June 2010, a decision was made to reshoot scenes planned months in advance involving Lucas picking up a prostitute named Jade (Niamh Webb) who he seemingly strangles after forcing her to pray for God's forgiveness. The decision to drop the prostitute link was made following the charging of Stephen Griffiths with the murder of three prostitutes in Bradford

Return (2020)

In October 2020, it was confirmed Gilet would reprise the role for a massive storyline. Speaking of his return to the serial, Gilet said "I'm thrilled and honoured to be asked to breathe life once again into such a complex, controversial and diverse character but, most importantly to have another opportunity to work alongside one of UK's finest actors, Diane Parish. I feel blessed." [14] Executive Producer Jon Sen stated, “Bringing back Don to the square has been on our wish list for some time now as there's definitely some unfinished business with Lucas and he certainly hasn't let Denise go. His reign of terror has put him firmly up there with Walford's biggest villains and i can't wait for audiences to watch his return unfold.”[15]

Reception

The BBC received 103 complaints from viewers after it was hinted that Lucas had killed Sugar the dog, compared to "a handful" following his murders of Trina and Owen. The BBC responded saying they do not condone the killing of dogs or people, but iterated that the behaviour was in keeping with the character, adding that "no animals were harmed in the making of this story."[16]

The character was nominated in the "Smooth Criminal" and "Killer Secret" categories at the 2010 All About Soap Bubble Awards.[17] In January 2011, Gilet was nominated for Serial Drama Performance at the 2011 National Television Awards for his portrayal of Lucas but did not make it through to the shortlist.[18] He was also nominated at the British Soap Awards 2010 and 2011 for 'Villain of the Year'.[19][20]

See also

References
  1. Hilton, Beth (29 January 2008). "'Babyfather' star joins 'EastEnders'". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 29 January 2008.
  2. Walker, Danny (9 January 2016). "EastEnders spoilers: Jordan Johnson to RETURN and Joivan Wade reveals evil Lucas' son 'needs people in his corner'". Daily Mirror. Trinity Mirror.
  3. BBC EastEnders [@bbceastenders] (1 October 2020). "Don Gilet is returning to Walford as one of E20's most notorious bad guys, Lucas Johnson, later in the year. Four years after he left The Square his comeback is set to cause shockwaves amongst the residents. Has his time inside done him any good? #EastEnders #BigReturn" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  4. Green, Kris (11 November 2009). "'EastEnders': The Two Faces of Lucas". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 28 November 2009.
  5. "Lucas Johnson played by Don Gilet". BBC Online. Retrieved 7 November 2009.
  6. Green, Kris (7 February 2009). "Ex-'Bad Girls' actress to guest in 'Enders". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 28 November 2009.
  7. Kilkelly, Daniel (4 September 2009). "Don Gilet: 'EastEnders will get darker'". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 6 September 2009.
  8. "A quick chat with EastEnders badman Don Gilet". What's on TV. IPC Media. 10 March 2010. Retrieved 10 March 2010.
  9. Green, Kris (17 December 2009). "'EastEnders' exec teases 2010 storylines". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 17 December 2009.
  10. "Gilet enjoys 'Jekyll-and-Hyde' character". Ireland Online. 7 November 2009. Archived from the original on 10 July 2012. Retrieved 7 November 2009.
  11. Green, Kris (17 November 2009). "Don Gilet (Lucas Johnson, 'EastEnders')". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 28 November 2009.
  12. Love, Ryan (12 July 2010). "BBC defends 'EastEnders' Lucas storyline". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 13 July 2010.
  13. Kilkelly, Daniel (23 July 2010). "More 'Enders reaction hat from Di Parish". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 23 July 2010.
  14. Bird, Hannah (1 October 2020). "EastEnders confirms surprise return for villainous pastor Lucas Johnson". Digital Spy.
  15. Green, Kris (3 June 2010). "'EastEnders' to drop Lucas prostitute link". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 3 June 2010.
  16. Green, Kris (27 February 2010). "Over 100 complain about 'Enders dog death". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 27 February 2010.
  17. "EastEnders are nominated for 10 awards!". BBC Online. 16 February 2010. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  18. Wightman, Catriona (21 September 2010). "National Television Awards 2011 - Nominees". Digital Spy. London: Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 21 September 2010.
  19. Green, Kris; Kilkelly, Daniel (9 May 2010). "British Soap Awards 2010: The Winners". Digital Spy. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
  20. Kilkelly, Daniel (7 March 2011). "British Soap Awards 2011 voting opens". Digital Spy. London: Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 7 March 2011.
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