EastEnders to create trans* storyline

Dominic Treadwell-Collins, executive producer of EastEnders, revealed during National Student Pride this afternoon that he is set to create a trans* storyline for the iconic British soap.

HE told a packed audience at the University of Westminster, which was hosting the event: “I am planning to write a trans storyline. Pen hasn’t hit paper yet but research is in the planning.”

Treadwell-Collins announced the plans during the event’s Representation in Film and TV discussion, which also featured Emmerdale’s Alicia Eyo, Waterloo Road’s Heather Peace and Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black.

Although he said that writing hadn’t started, he added: “The power of EastEnders is that we can change the world a little.”

The producer, who’s just finished #EELive, said that he would be keen to cast a transgender actor in the role.

Trans activist Paris Lees said: “It’s more authentic for a trans* person to play a trans* character.” She also told Treadwell-Collins she would hold him to his plans.

Treadwell-Collins realises that there will be some challenges in tackling such a storyline.

Talking about Eddie Redmayne’s new role in the Danish Girl, he said: “We have to be very, very careful about what we say. With EastEnders you’re preaching about LGBT issues to a lot of people who don’t want to hear it.”

Student Pride is an annual national event which this year celebrated its tenth anniversary and was hosted at the University of Westminster, Marylebone, for the second year running.