Ex-EastEnders star unrecognisable from on-screen role, sporting grey hair and glasses in rare update
A former EastEnders star looks almost unrecognisable in a recent photo, 14 years after leaving the BBC soap.
The British actor sported a distinguished appearance, complete with grey hair, glasses, and a moustache, as he shared an Instagram selfie with his wife.
He famously played a key role as one of the suspects in the gripping Who Killed Archie Mitchell? storyline, which aired on Christmas 2009. He originally joined the soap in 2008 and remained until 2011, returning for several guest appearances over the years.
His character, Ryan Malloy, had a romantic relationship with Ronnie Mitchell, was married to Janine Butcher, and also became stepfather to a child from the Slater family. Ryan was revealed to be the estranged half-brother of Whitney Dean, according to OK! magazine.
Neil McDermott, 45, brought Ryan Malloy to life, making guest returns in 2014 and 2016, with his most recent appearance in February 2023. Ryan was also the father of Stacey Slater’s daughter, Lily, whose paternity reveal kept viewers captivated.
The actor’s character was one of the main suspects in the murder of Archie, played by Larry Lamb, who was killed by a blow to the head. Ryan’s relationship with Archie’s fiancée, Janine, put him under suspicion as a potential murderer.
It was later revealed in a February 2010 episode that Stacey was the true killer, acting in response to Archie’s assault on her.
When Ryan discovered Stacey’s secret, he tried to protect her and planned to escape with her.
Just a year later, Ryan was seen killing Rob Grayson, the man who had been sexually abusing Whitney. He left Walford in 2011 but returned occasionally over the years, with his character eventually turning himself in to the authorities.
Since leaving the soap, Neil, a devoted father of three, has built a successful stage career, appearing in productions such as Shrek the Musical and Pretty Woman, and currently playing Mr Wormwood in Matilda.
He has also toured with shows including Wind in the Willows and The Sound of Music. Despite focusing on theatre, Neil has not completely stepped away from television, making appearances in series such as Doctors, Casualty, and Inspector George Gently over the years.
In his free time, he enjoys sharing sweet snapshots from family holidays. Neil and actress Michelle Edwards are parents to three children: daughter Arrabella, son Roddy, and their youngest, Maria.
In August 2023, Neil announced the arrival of their third child. Sharing a series of Instagram photos of their newborn daughter, he wrote: “Welcome to the world, Maria Jolene McDermott. Born Tuesday at 4:18pm, 8 pounds 3.”
He went on to praise his wife, Michelle Edwards, saying: “Thank you, Michelle, for carrying our beautiful daughter and going through another pregnancy and everything that comes with it. I don’t know how you do it. Not all heroes wear capes—some wear DVT socks. I love you. Thank you for all the kind messages. We are home, happy and safe. Baby number three is thriving, and our first two children are absolutely doting on their little sister.”
Neil and The Inbetweeners star Michelle, 44, tied the knot back in 2007 and have been happily married since.
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