Coronation Street was the first soap in the world to have a permanent transgender character – in the form of Hayley Cropper, who was with the show from 1998 to 2014. However Hayley was still played by a cisgender actor, albeit a very good one in the form of Julie Hesmondhalgh.
Now though rival UK soap, Eastenders, is adding an ongoing character who, for the first time in any British serialised drama, will be played by a transgender actor, as the BBC has announced the addition of the rather cute Riley Carter Millington to the show.
Here’s the press release anouncing the news: 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.”
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