Neil McDermott

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.

Career McDermott appeared in the 2008 Doctor Who episode "The Next Doctor", as well as Casualty and Rosemary and Thyme, amongst others, 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. 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."

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.

In 2022, McDermott played Daedalus in the cast album for new musical The Minotaur.

Personal life McDermott is married to actress Michelle Edwards. They have two daughters and a son.

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.

Credits Film and TV 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 Year Title Role Theatre Location Notes 2004 Henry IV Ordulf Donmar Warehouse Off-West End 2005–2006 Aladdin Aladdin Old Vic London 2006 Bad Girls: The Musical Justin Mattison West Yorkshire Playhouse Leeds Original World Premiere Cast 2006–2007 The Sound of Music Rolf Gruber London Palladium West End 2007 Follies Young Buddy London Palladium West End 2007–2008 La Cage aux Folles Jean-Michel Menier Chocolate Factory Off-West End UK Revival Cast 2009–2011 Les Misérables Ensemble / Cover Enjolras & Grantaire Queen's Theatre West End 2011 Parade Young Soldier / Frankie Epps Donmar Warehouse Off-West End 2012–2013 Shrek the Musical Lord Farquaad Theatre Royal, Drury Lane West End 2017 The Wind in the Willows Chief Weasel London Palladium West End 2017–2018 The Sound of Music Captain Georg von Trapp UK National Tour 2018–2019 Eugenius! Evil Lord Hector The Other Palace Off-West End Original UK Cast 2020–2022 Pretty Woman Philip Stuckley Piccadilly TheatreSavoy Theatre West End Original West End Cast2024–MatildaMr. WormwoodCambridge TheatreWest End

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Result 2010 15th National Television Awards Newcomer 2010 Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Male 2011 All About Soap Bubble Awards Best Love Triangle (shared with Charlie Brooks and Lacey Turner)