Riley Carter Millington: Meet the new Eastenders actor making UK television history

Millington is set to become the first transgender actor to play a transgender character in a recurring role in the UK

Riley Carter Millington will become the first transgender actor to play a transgender character in a recurring role in the UK (PA)

Who is he?

Millington is set make British television history this month when he joins the cast of EastEnders. He’ll become the first transgender actor to play a transgender character in a recurring role in the UK.

He must be delighted

And how. Millington’s role as Kyle is to be the 21-year-old actor’s first professional gig. “I am extremely excited to be joining EastEnders,” he said. “I have now fulfilled my two biggest dreams - to be living my life as a man and to be an actor”. Millington’s parents have also said that they’re hugely proud of him.

How progressive!

It’s not the first time Eastenders has done this, though. Throughout their history, British soaps have pushed the boundaries of popular culture. In the past, the EastEnders team has written storylines involving Mark Fowler’s HIV and Colin and Barry’s first gay kiss. However, executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins stressed that “this isn’t about tokenism”.

What have Eastenders said?

Treadwell-Collins said the showrunners have “been so careful to ensure that we cast the right actor for the part”. He added that the casting directors have never been so moved by “the incredible life stories and wealth of talent that we experienced over our several weeks of workshops with transgender actors”.

What do we know about the role?

Kyle has been so far shrouded in mystery. Viewers will first meet him this month before he returns permanently at the end of the year. “I cannot wait to really get stuck in with filming and I look forward to seeing what is in store for my character,” Millington added.