EastEnders star Riley Carter Millington was the first ever transgender actor on a UK soap when he landed the role of Kyle Slater and looks unrecognisable seven years after his exit
EastEnders star Riley Carter Millington looks completely different since first appearing on the BBC soap seven years ago.
The actor made history when he landed the role of Kyle Slater in 2015, becoming the first transgender man to play a regular transgender role in a British soap. Riley was introduced as the long-lost half brother of Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), born as Sarah to Brian Slater, Jean’s (Gillian Wright) ex-husband.
The character stuck around in Walford for one year before leaving for France after accepting a job offer. After bidding farewell to the soap, Riley embarked on a weight loss journey and appeared on Celebrity Fat Fighters.
On the TLC show, which aired in January 2017, Riley stuck to a 400 calorie-a-day diet as well as followed a strict training regime. He regularly keeps fans updated with his progress on social media, sharing various snippets documenting his journey.
Last month, Riley opened up with his Instagram followers after undergoing a hair transplant, admitting he felt more confident after the operation. Alongside a selfie, he penned: “Only 2 weeks post op & I’m notably feeling more confident and happier when looking at myself in the mirror.
“However this maybe be due to the fact that the scabs that have formed look like a slight buzz cut.” Riley continued: “This is going to be a looonggg process & patience is not typically an associated trait of mine but if I want results then that’s what I will need to be. After my first full hair wash tomorrow, my hair will proceed to fall out…that is what I’m nervous of.”
Riley has previously opened up about his experiences as a transgender actor, admitting he found it “intrusive” after landing the role of Kyle. He explained: “When I went to university to study acting I was in my own little world, trying to be stealth.
“I was new into my transition and my main focus was just trying to get on with life and, in a way, avoid those feelings and emotions that are attached to it. Riley continued: “When I got the role on EastEnders people knew, suddenly, who I was, my identity.
“They had those questions in their mind regarding my body. It was, at times, quite intrusive. He went on: “But now I see the bigger picture. I have a great life.
“I’ve been really fortunate, in comparison to a lot of people. I’ve never received or had to deal with harassment, bullying, things like that.”
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