BBC EastEnders fans 'floored' after realising Junior Knight actor's real age

BBC One viewers have been left floored after learning that actor Micah Balfour, who plays Junior Knight on EastEnders, is 47 years old — despite many fans believing he was in his late 20s or early 30s.

EastEnders fans have been left floored by Junior Knight stars real age(BBC) 

The actor first arrived in Walford in May 2024, portraying Junior Knight, the estranged son of George Knight (played by Colin Salmon). Since his dramatic entrance, Junior has wasted no time stirring up trouble and rekindling old family tensions in Albert Square.

Over the past months, the savvy businessman has become embroiled in several major storylines, including a complicated love life marked by his infidelity towards his wife Monique and a scandalous affair with his former stepmother Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins).

Family Drama in Walford

In recent episodes, Junior found himself caught in another intense family crisis. He was furious to learn that his uncle Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho) had been coerced into dealing drugs by local criminals Okie (Aayan Ibikunle Shoderu) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).

Junior Knight kick started an affair with his former step-mother Cindy Beale(BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Tuesday’s (November 4) episode saw Kojo perform a heroic act when he saved his best friend Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway), who had been held captive for weeks by Okie. Kojo managed to alert his brother George and nephew Junior, and together with Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian), they found Harry unconscious on the street before rushing him — along with Kojo — to the hospital.

Amid all the chaos, it seems Junior may soon be saying goodbye to Walford for good. Upcoming scenes reportedly show him deciding to return to Dubai, where his young son Xavier lives with his mother.

Micah Balfour’s Exit and Reaction

According to reports from The Mirror, actor Micah Balfour is said to be “devastated” that EastEnders producers have chosen to write his character out of the show — though it has been confirmed that Junior will not be killed off.

A BBC spokesperson confirmed the news, stating:

“We can confirm Micah will be leaving EastEnders later this year. We wish him all the best for the future.” (Source: BBC via The Mirror)

Micah’s departure marks the latest in a series of cast changes for EastEnders, which continues to evolve its storylines as the show enters a new creative phase under executive producer Chris Clenshaw.

Fans React to Micah’s Real Age

While Junior’s exit storyline has drawn attention, it’s Micah’s real-life age that has sparked the biggest surprise among fans online. Viewers were stunned to discover that the actor is 47 years old, with many insisting he looks significantly younger.

Junior was introduced as the estranged son of George Knight in EastEnders (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Taking to Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), fans shared their disbelief. One viewer wrote:

“Kojo being 46 does not sit right with me since the actor is 41 in real life — so Kojo should have been slightly younger, like 38, which is the same age as his nephew Junior. Junior’s actor is 47 in real life!”

Another fan exclaimed:

“Junior actor is 47? Holy ****. There’s no way he’s just a few years younger than my parents! I thought he was my age — 26!”

One commenter summed up the general reaction, writing:

“Yeah, that’s the bigger takeaway for me. I’d have said late 20s, maybe early 30s at most!”

Another fan added simply:

“WHAT. Wait — he’s 47? I thought he was early 30s, tops.”

Others praised the actor’s youthful appearance, with one fan posting:

“Junior actor is 47?! He doesn’t look it at all. Whatever he’s doing, it’s working!”

 
Looking Ahead for EastEnders

As EastEnders continues its gripping storylines surrounding the Knight and Mitchell families, fans are preparing to bid farewell to Junior — but remain hopeful that the door will be left open for his return in the future.

The BBC soap, now in its 40th year, remains one of the network’s most-watched shows, drawing millions of viewers each week across BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and is also available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

(Sources: BBC / The Mirror / Digital Spy / Radio Times)