Community hub
0 subscribers7 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to Neil McDermott.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Neil McDermott
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
 |
Neil McDermott (born 15 December 1980) is a British stage and television actor, who is best known for portraying Ryan Malloy in the BBC television soap opera EastEnders.[1]
Key Information
Career
[edit]McDermott appeared in the 2008 Doctor Who episode "The Next Doctor", as well as Casualty and Rosemary and Thyme, amongst others,[2] the feature films Goal! and Blooded, and various stage productions including The Sound of Music in the West End. He trained at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.[3] He joined the cast of EastEnders in 2009. In June 2011, Digital Spy reported that McDermott was leaving EastEnders. An EastEnders spokesperson said, "We can confirm Neil is leaving EastEnders. It was a mutual decision that was made before Christmas when Neil's contract came up for renewal and we wish him all the best for the future. His exit storyline will be dramatic and fans will not be disappointed."[4]
McDermott replaced fellow Enders actor Nigel Harman as Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London's West End on 29 February 2012. The production played its final performance 24 February 2013 with McDermott as Farquaad. McDermott briefly reprised the role of Ryan Malloy in EastEnders. in 2014, 2016 and reprised the role again for a short stint in Feb 2023.[5]
In 2022, McDermott played Daedalus in the cast album for new musical The Minotaur.[6]
Personal life
[edit]McDermott is married to actress Michelle Edwards.[7] They have two daughters and a son.[8]
Neil and his wife Michelle opened Mishmak Youth Theatre in January 2010.
In September 2011 he ran the Great North Run with Charlie Brooks in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.[9]
Credits
[edit]Film and TV
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | EastEnders | Ben | 7 episodes |
| 2005 | Goal! | Extra | |
| 2005 | Chopratown | Henry | |
| 2006 | Rosemary & Thyme | Ryan Stebbings | 2 episodes |
| 2006 | Casualty | Ben Harold | 1 episode |
| 2008 | Kiss of Death | John Doe | |
| 2008 | Doctor Who | Jed | Episode: "The Next Doctor" |
| 2009–2011, 2014, 2016, 2023 | EastEnders | Ryan Malloy | Regular role; 247 episodes |
| 2009–2011 | The Royal | Dr. Ralph Ellis | Regular role |
| 2013 | Doctors | Dr. Bradley Dash | 2 episodes |
| 2014 | Casualty | Gavin Nicholson | 1 episode |
| 2014 | Inspector George Gently | Gary Manners | 1 episode |
Theatre credits
[edit]Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 15th National Television Awards | Newcomer | Nominated | [10] |
| 2010 | Inside Soap Awards | Sexiest Male | Nominated | [11] |
| 2011 | All About Soap Bubble Awards | Best Love Triangle (shared with Charlie Brooks and Lacey Turner) | Nominated | [12] |
References
[edit]- ^ Digital Spy
- ^ IMDb
- ^ "The Sound of Music – Biography". Archived from the original on 3 August 2009. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (19 June 2011). "'EastEnders' star Neil McDermott to leave soap". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
- ^ Brown, David (2 September 2014). "EastEnders spoilers: Ryan Malloy makes surprise return to the BBC1 soap". Radio Times. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
- ^ Wood, Alex (24 October 2022). "Metta release video and album for new musical The Minotaur". What's On Stage. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
- ^ "EastEnders hunk Neil McDermott to open Sutton youth theatre". YourLocalGuardian.co.uk. 10 December 2009. Retrieved 27 December 2010.
- ^ "BABY JOY! EastEnders star Neil McDermott becomes a dad". NOW. IPC Media. 13 January 2011. Retrieved 14 January 2011.
- ^ "Sport photos – Eastenders stars Charlie Brooks and Neil McDermott at the start line of the Great North Run in Newcastle". Metro. Associated Newspapers Ltd. 18 September 2011. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2011.
- ^ Nissim, Mayer (5 January 2010). "National Television Awards 2010: The Nominees". Digital Spy. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
- ^ Wightman, Catriona (13 July 2010). "In full: Inside Soap Awards 2010 nominees". Digital Spy.
- ^ "In Full: All About Soap Bubble winners". Digital Spy. 27 March 2011. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
External links
[edit]- Neil McDermott at IMDb
- Neil McDermott on TV.com Archived 23 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine
- [1]
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
Neil McDermott
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and education
Early life
Neil McDermott was born on 15 December 1980 in Southport, Merseyside, England.[1] He grew up in this coastal town in the North West of England, where he developed an early passion for sports, particularly football, during his childhood.[11] McDermott's interest in performing arts emerged later, in his mid-teens, when he was inspired by his drama teacher, Frank Whately—brother of actor Kevin Whately—who encouraged his participation in dramatic activities and introduced him to the National Youth Theatre.[11] Prior to this, his adolescence was focused more on athletic pursuits than creative expression. McDermott has Irish ancestry through his family.[12] This newfound enthusiasm for drama prompted him to seek formal training at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.[1]Education
McDermott trained at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London, completing a three-year acting course and graduating around 2002.[11] Following his graduation, McDermott immediately entered the professional arena, landing initial auditions that led to his debut television appearance as Ben, a minor character in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, in 2003.[1]Acting career
Television
McDermott made his television debut in 2006, appearing as Ben Harold in two episodes of the BBC medical drama Casualty. He followed this with a guest role as Jed, a young scavenger in 19th-century London, in the 2008 Doctor Who Christmas special "The Next Doctor," directed by Andy Goddard. In 2009, McDermott secured his first major continuing series role as Dr. Ralph Ellis, a forward-thinking locum general practitioner, in the eighth and final series of ITV's period medical drama The Royal, appearing in all 12 episodes alongside actors such as Amy Robbins and Denis Lill.[13] This role highlighted his ability to portray compassionate yet pragmatic medical professionals in a historical setting. That same year, McDermott joined the BBC soap opera EastEnders as Ryan Malloy, a troubled ex-convict and half-brother to Whitney Dean (played by Shona McGarty), debuting on 28 April 2009.[14] Abandoned by his mother as a baby and raised in care before time on the streets, Ryan's character arc explored his hardened survival instincts softening through family ties, particularly his protective bond with Whitney, whom he helped escape an abusive relationship with Rob Grayson in 2011 by fatally stabbing the pimp— an act for which he briefly served time before release due to lack of evidence.[14] His criminal past included prior convictions, and storylines delved into his involvement in schemes like blackmail and theft, often clashing with Walford's underbelly. McDermott portrayed Ryan in 174 episodes from 2009 to 2011, earning soap opera prominence and establishing the character as a complex anti-hero. Ryan's tenure included a turbulent marriage to Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks), marked by a one-night stand resulting in their daughter Lily, whose existence strained family dynamics when revealed.[14] McDermott departed the role in 2011 to pursue theatre work, but reprised it for brief returns: five episodes in 2014 exploring Ryan's ongoing ties to Walford, a single episode in 2016, and three episodes in 2023 centered on Lily's underage pregnancy, where Ryan confronted Janine over their daughter's crisis and asserted paternal involvement before leaving again.[15] These returns underscored Ryan's enduring impact on EastEnders' narrative, blending redemption arcs with lingering criminal temptations. Beyond EastEnders, McDermott appeared in minor guest roles, including in Casualty, Rosemary & Thyme, Inspector George Gently, Kiss of Death, and other BBC dramas, while taking breaks for stage productions that informed his decision to step away from soap commitments periodically.[16]Film
McDermott's entry into feature films occurred early in his career with an uncredited role as Morrison in the 2005 sports drama Goal! The Dream Begins, directed by Danny Cannon.[17] The film chronicles the rise of a young immigrant footballer scouted for Newcastle United, blending real-life soccer footage with dramatic narrative, and achieved commercial success with a worldwide gross of $27.6 million against a $10 million budget.[18] Though his appearance was brief and uncredited, it marked McDermott's debut in cinematic production during a period when he was building his professional profile through television guest spots.[16] In 2011, McDermott took a more prominent supporting role as Lucas Bell in the independent British horror-thriller Blooded, directed by Edward Boase in a found-footage style inspired by events surrounding the UK's fox-hunting ban.[19] The low-budget production follows a group of hunters who become targets of animal rights activists, earning mixed critical reception for its provocative premise but criticism for uneven pacing and character development.[20][21] McDermott's portrayal contributed to the ensemble dynamic in this niche genre film, released to limited audiences at festivals like FrightFest.[22] McDermott has also appeared in shorter cinematic works, including the short film The Hitch, though details on its production and release remain sparse in public records.[16] These limited film credits, primarily from the mid-2000s to early 2010s, aligned with his transition from supporting television roles to lead positions in major series, offering practical experience in on-location shooting and ensemble dynamics that complemented his growing television presence.[23] No major feature films featuring McDermott have been released since 2011 as of 2025, underscoring his primary focus on stage and screen television formats.[1]Theatre
McDermott began his prominent stage career in musical theatre with a high-profile role in the West End production of Shrek the Musical at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, where he portrayed Lord Farquaad from February 29, 2012, until the show's closure on February 24, 2013.[24][25] This marked a significant career shift, as he departed his role as Ryan Malloy in the BBC soap opera EastEnders to pursue this theatrical commitment, highlighting his transition from television to live stage performance.[26] Subsequent credits included the role of Philip Stuckey in Pretty Woman: The Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre (later transferring to the Savoy Theatre), where he performed from the original West End opening on February 13, 2020, through its run until its closure on 18 June 2023, navigating pandemic-related pauses and extensions.[27] In 2022, McDermott contributed to the studio cast recording of the new musical The Minotaur by Metta Theatre, voicing the character of Daedalus alongside performers such as Janie Dee and Arthur Darvill; the EP was released on October 20, 2022, showcasing emerging works in British musical theatre.[28] McDermott's recent West End engagement began in autumn 2024 with the role of Mr. Wormwood in Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre, following a casting announcement on July 17, 2024; as of November 2025, he continues in the production, which has been a staple of London's musical scene since 2011.[29] Other notable credits encompass Captain Georg von Trapp in the 2017–2018 UK tour of The Sound of Music and Evil Lord Hector in the 2018–2019 revival of Eugenius!, underscoring his versatility in musical theatre roles.[4]Personal life and philanthropy
Family
McDermott married actress Michelle Edwards on July 22, 2007.[30] The couple, who met as teenagers while training at London's Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, share a professional background in acting.[10] They have three children together: daughter Arabella Betsy, born on January 9, 2011; son Roddy Bo, born on February 18, 2013; and daughter Maria Jolene, born on August 15, 2023.[10][31][32] In February 2011, shortly after the birth of their first child, McDermott admitted to an extramarital affair with 16-year-old fan Chloe Peebles, which he described as a one-night incident following a night out. He issued a public apology, expressing remorse and seeking forgiveness from Edwards, who later confirmed they had reconciled. The couple has since presented a united family front.[33][34] McDermott and Edwards have appeared together at industry events, including the National Television Awards in 2010.[35] In public announcements of their children's births, McDermott has expressed gratitude toward Edwards and shared family photos, underscoring their close-knit unit.[32]Philanthropy
In 2010, Neil McDermott co-founded Mishmak Youth Theatre with his wife, actress Michelle Edwards, establishing branches in areas including Sutton, Carshalton, Datchet, and Windsor to offer weekly classes in acting, singing, and dancing for children and teenagers aged 5 to 18. The initiative was driven by the couple's long-held dream to create an inclusive theatre school that provides professional-level training while emphasizing fun and accessibility for all participants, rather than exclusively focusing on the most talented, drawing from their own experiences at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Mishmak aims to foster creativity and confidence in young performers from diverse backgrounds, including underserved communities, through innovative programs like devised shows and performance competitions.[8] McDermott's philanthropic efforts extend to fundraising events tied to his acting career. In September 2011, he ran the Great North Run half-marathon alongside EastEnders co-star Charlie Brooks to support Marie Curie Cancer Care, a charity providing hospice services for those with terminal illnesses. More recently, during his starring role as Prince Vincent in the 2023–2024 pantomime production of Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Royal Bath, McDermott participated in post-performance collections that raised over £11,000 for Bath Cats and Dogs Home, an animal welfare charity.[36] As of 2025, McDermott maintains ongoing involvement with Mishmak Youth Theatre, which continues to host workshops, seasonal productions, and community events to nurture emerging talent and promote arts education, reflecting his commitment to giving back through accessible opportunities similar to those that shaped his early career.Awards and nominations
Soap opera awards
McDermott received several nominations for his portrayal of Ryan Malloy in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, highlighting the character's rapid rise in popularity among viewers shortly after his 2009 debut. These accolades underscored his contribution to engaging storylines and his appeal as a newcomer in the genre.[37]| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | National Television Awards | Most Popular Newcomer | Nominated | [38] |
| 2010 | Inside Soap Awards | Sexiest Male | Nominated | [39] |
| 2011 | All About Soap Bubble Awards | Best Love Triangle (shared with Lacey Turner and Charlie Brooks) | Nominated | [40] |