'EastEnders' Praised For Transgender Character Kyle’s First Proper Scenes

Riley Carter Millington and Lacey Turner have won praise from viewers.

‘EastEnders’ bosses won praise from viewers on Tuesday (22 March) night, following their handling of the proper introduction of the soap's first ever transgender character Kyle, played by Riley Carter Millington.

Riley’s character first appeared in Walford last year, but it’s taken until now for him to tell his full story to Stacey Branning.

BBC Pictures

Kyle was introduced to his sister and viewers, after Stacey declared that they couldn’t be related, because her dad’s other children were all daughters.

Kyle then explained that he previously lived as a woman, and Stacey invited her brother up to the flat for a proper chat.

Once there, Lacey Turner’s character asked a number of questions, kindly but curiously questioning things such as the physical changes Kyle has made, and when he knew he was a woman.

Viewers took to Twitter in their droves to praise both actors, and the writers who penned the scenes:

Loving the honest conversation between Kyle & Stacey. Hope it continues! #EastEnders

— QueenCity EastEnder (@MelissaBerry919) March 22, 2016

@MrRileyCarter1 those stacey and kyle scenes really brought a tear to my eye! #eastenders

— kelli packham (@KelliPacham) March 22, 2016

aww Stacey and Kyle. I can see a great brother and sister relationship forming 😍 #EastEnders

— Katie (@borntolove80s) March 22, 2016

I really like Kyle love that #EastEnders is covering a storyline like this and help shatter the taboo

— aisling(mully)☄ (@aislingmulcair1) March 22, 2016

Absolutely phenomenal performance from @MrRileyCarter1 in tonight's #EastEnders👏🏻 I'm loving Kyle SOOO much!!

— SoapSpoilers&Gossip. (@Soap_loverxx) March 22, 2016

Riley is the first ever transgender actor to land a regular role in a soap, and his appointment was swiftly followed by an announcement from ‘Hollyoaks’ bosses, who cast Annie Wallace in a regular role.

Since welcoming baby Arthur, Stacey has struggled with postpartum psychosis, and many viewers have called for actress Lacey to receive award nominations following her performance in the soap.

Catch up on all the latest ‘EastEnders’ news and spoilers here.

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