After his daughter Lily’s shocking pregnancy announcement, Ryan Malloy (played by Neil McDermott) will return to Eastenders for a new storyline this February.
Having moved to Walford in 2009 as Whitney Dean’s half-brother played by Neil McDermott, Ryan’s time in Albert Square was typically drama filled, what with his marriage to and subsequent divorce from Janine after it was revealed that he had fathered baby Lily with Stacey and their subsequent affair.
Ryan also found himself sent to prison for the accidental murder of Rob Grayson. Released in 2016 Ryan moved to Wakefield after getting married to Helen, his prison officer. He last returned to the square for the wedding of Whitney and Lee Carter.
Now after learning that his 12-year-old daughter, Lily, is pregnant, Ryan is returning to the Square.
Neil McDermott said “When I heard what the story was I was really pleased that the stars aligned and I was able to revisit Ryan and set foot back on the Square. It was so lovely to see so many old friends and to work with Shona and Lacey again, as well as to meet and work with Ryan’s daughter, played beautifully by Lillia.”
“It’s wonderful to welcome Neil back to the role of Ryan Malloy. Although we haven’t seen Ryan for some years, his character is still intertwined in the history of two of the show’s major characters, Stacey and Whitney,” said executive producer Chris Clenshaw. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have him back for a short while as he’s thrust into the heart of the drama.”
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One.