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Tag: Riley Carter Millington

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  • First trans actor in EastEnders sad that the character didn’t get “happy ending”

    Riley Carter Millington is “disappointed” his ‘EastEnders’ character didn’t get a “happy ending” and a chance to lead a “normal life”.

    The 23-year-old actor played Kyle Slater in the BBC soap between 2015 and 2016 and was the first transgender man to play a regular transgender character on a British soap.

    However, Riley felt “frustrated” that his character didn’t get a chance to have a “normal life”.

    He told The Sun,

    “I was disappointed it was not shown that Kyle had a normal life. He had the big coming-out story and it was dramatic and emotional, but we didn’t get to see a happy ending, like a relationship of any sort other than the reunion with his half-sister, Stacey. It was frustrating. I felt I let myself and the fans down as I could have pushed for something. It’s a shame to have gay characters and then you have to say goodbye.”

    When Riley quit EastEnders, he revealed the reason for his departure was because producers believed his character Kyle’s story had reached a “natural end”.

    He said at the time,

    “When I landed a six-month contract at EastEnders it was a dream come true. For that to be extended to a year was something I never expected.

    “However, as the time comes for Kyle to depart Walford I am looking forward to taking on new roles and who knows, Kyle may find his way back to Walford one day.”

    When he was cast in the role, Riley admitted he had achieved his two biggest dreams.

    He shared,

    “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.”

  • EastEnders Introduces Its First Trans Character Played By Trans Actor

    Riley Carter Millington, 21, will be joining the cast of EastEnders as Kyle, a transgender character.

    Riley’s casting is the first time a UK television soap opera has ever had a transgender actor playing a transgender character in a continuing role.

    Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Executive Producer,announced earlier this year that he was creating a transgender character and he was determined to have a transgender actor in the role. Following that announcement, a number of transgender actors put themselves forward for the role and, as well as working alongside groups within the transgender community, EastEnders undertook workshops to find an actor. As soon as they found Riley, the character of Kyle was developed and created.

    EastEnders is Riley’s first television role. Riley’s first appearance as Kyle will be on screen this month (October 2015) but little will be known about his mysterious character for quite some time. Following this brief appearance, Riley will return permanently at the end of the year.

    Speaking of joining EastEnders, Riley said “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.”

    Dominic Treadwell- Collins, Executive Producer adds “From Mark Fowler’s HIV to Colin and Barry’s first gay kiss, EastEnders has always led the way in changing audience’s perceptions about ‘difference’ – and ultimately making the world a better place. 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. I’ve sat in many acting workshops over the years with our Casting Executive Julia Crampsie and her team – but never have we been so moved by the incredible life stories and wealth of talent that we experienced over our several weeks of workshops with transgender actors. The people we met showed us a strength and bravery that took our breath away – and to go through as much as they have while maintaining humour and a positive view on the world is testament to what special people we met.

    In Riley, we have found not just a talented actor but also an inspirational young man whose warmth immediately comes through the screen. And this isn’t about tokenism. Alex Lamb and his story team have worked with Riley to create an EastEnders character who is fresh and relatable – but also comes with his own stock of secrets and is going to be thrown right into one of our biggest stories for the end of the year. I hope that the audience will take Riley and his character to their hearts as quickly as everyone here at EastEnders has done.”