EastEnders to introduce a permanent transgender character
The first time a UK soap has introduced a transgender character played by a transgender actor.
Last updated 12th Jul 2018
EastEnders is to introduce a permanent transgender character played by a transgender actor at the end of the year, the first UK soap to do so.
Unknown 21-year-old Riley Carter Millington will be playing the part of Kyle who will appear briefly in the TV show later this month and in a more permanent role from the end of the year.
This is the first TV role that Riley has been involved in and commented, “I am extremely excited to be joining EastEnders. I can honestly say that I have now fulfilled my two biggest dreams – to be living my life as a man and to be an actor. I cannot wait to really get stuck in with filming and I look forward to seeing what is in store for my character.”
Talking about the role Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Executive Producer said, "it has been my intention for a long time to cast a trans actor playing a trans role - and we have been so careful to ensure that we cast the right actor for the part."
Riley was chosen after a number of workshops with the EastEnders team, Dominic continued, "in Riley, we have found not just a talented actor but also an inspirational young man whose warmth immediately comes through the screen."
The team of writers will be working with Riley to make sure that the character they create is "fresh and relatable".