A former actor from the TV show EastEnders looks very different now in a recent photo, taken 14 years after they left the show.
The British actor looked sharp with grey hair, glasses, and a moustache in a recent Instagram selfie with his wife.
The actor was a key suspect in the popular mystery episode ‘Who Killed Archie Mitchell?’, which originally aired on Christmas Day in 2009.
He became a cast member on the popular soap opera the year before, remaining until 2011, and occasionally reappeared in later years.
He’s had several relationships, including a brief affair with Ronnie Mitchell and a marriage to Janine Butcher. He also previously helped raise one of the Slater sisters’ children as a stepfather.
The actor in question was the estranged half sibling of Whitney Dean – but did you guess who it is?
Neil McDermott, age 45, is known for his role as Ryan Malloy in a BBC series. He revisited the character for guest appearances in 2014 and 2016, most recently appearing in February 2023.
Ryan was also the father of Stacey Slater’s daughter, Lily, and the revelation of his paternity caused a lot of drama for viewers.
One of the prime suspects in Archie’s murder – the victim was played by Larry Lamb and killed by a blow to the head from a Queen Victoria statue – was a very attractive man.
Ryan was having an affair with Archie’s fiancée, Janine, which made him a prime suspect in the murder investigation.
As a storyteller, I remember when the truth about Archie’s killer finally came out – it was Stacey, and the reveal aired in February 2010. The episode showed that she’d been driven to it after he’d sexually assaulted her, which provided a very difficult but important context to the storyline.
When Ryan discovered the truth about Stacey, he attempted to help her escape, but ultimately she left Albert Square by herself.
Just one year later, Ryan killed Rob Grayson, the man who had been sexually exploiting Whitney.
In 2011, the character left Walford, but appeared again a few times over the years, ultimately leading to his surrender to the police.
I’ve been a huge fan of Neil ever since he left his soap opera role! It’s been amazing to watch his career take off on stage. He’s been fantastic in shows like Shrek The Musical and Pretty Woman, and I’m currently loving him as Mr. Wormwood in Matilda – he’s just brilliant, and it’s wonderful seeing a dedicated dad of three doing so well!
Additionally, he toured with production of Wind in the Willows and The Sound of Music.
Okay, so everyone thinks Neil totally quit TV, but that’s not entirely true! I mean, I was scouring the listings, and I spotted him in shows like Doctors, Casualty, and even Inspector George Gently over the years. It wasn’t a ton, but he did pop up, and honestly, every little glimpse of him on screen felt like a gift! I just had to share that, because it proves he never completely abandoned us TV fans!
Outside of work, he often posts heartwarming photos of his family vacations, including his children Arrabella, Roddy, and baby Maria, with his partner, actress Michelle Edwards.
In August 2023, Neil revealed his wife has welcomed their third child.
Taking to Instagram the actor shared a series of images of the new baby daughter.
He penned: ‘Welcome to the world. Maria Jolene McDermott. Born Tuesday at 4.18pm. 8 pound 3.’
Ryan also expressed his gratitude to his wife, Michelle Edwards, for giving birth to their baby. He said, ‘Michelle, thank you for carrying our beautiful daughter and for everything that comes with being pregnant. I truly don’t know how you manage it.’
‘Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear DVT socks. I love you. ❤️
I’m so thrilled to share some wonderful news! We’re all back home, safe and sound, and feeling incredibly grateful. Our little family has grown – baby number three is doing wonderfully! And the best part? Our older two are already completely smitten with their new baby sister. It’s a truly joyful time!
Neil and the Inbetween star Michelle, 44, happily tied the knot in 2007.
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2025-12-26 20:19