80s Actual
Colin is EastEnders ' first homosexual character. Introduced in August , Colin was one of the more popular characters in the early years of the programme. [3]. At first the audience and the residents of Walford were kept in the dark about the fact that Colin was gay. Since its debut in , EastEnders has never shied away from hard-hitting storylines and has been at the forefront of LGBTQ representation on screen. Played by Michael Cashman, there was controversy at the time when Colin kissed boyfriend Barry Clark Gary Hailes in — even though it was just a peck on the forehead. EastEnders
First gay kiss on a British soap Colin Russell was the first gay character on EastEnders, appearing in Albert Square just over a year after the show’s first episode. Interesting read! Totally forgot about Colin and Barry - they were indeed good characters. 
Important LGBTQ+ moments in British soap history – first gay
As it happens, he was also gay, and made history as the first homosexual resident of Albert Square. He initially kept his sexuality secret from his East End neighbours, until he found happiness. EastEnders legend Michael Cashman has come quite a long way. He was the very first gay character to appear on the soap, but has since gone on to become a prominent human rights activist and an appointed member of the House of Lords.
EastEnders' most iconic LGBTQ+ moments from the past 40 years
Ben, played then by Joshua Pascoe, was by this point far from EastEnders ‘ first ever gay character, but his coming out hit a little different: we’d seen him grow up from childhood among a family of blustering geezers, with his father Phil as one of the Square’s most formidable characters. Whether you like keeping up with EastEnders and Emmerdale or following the drama over in Hollyoaks village, true soap fans will know that these long-standing shows represent more than just entertainment. When Coronation Street first aired back in it was unimaginable that two characters of the same sex could ever a relationship. 
Colin Russell
EastEnders legend Michael Cashman has come quite a long way. He was the very first gay character to appear on the soap, but has since gone on to become a prominent human rights activist and an appointed member of the House of Lords. NOTE: Please do not add spoilers as this is a spoiler-free Wiki and it is intrusive to our readers who may not have seen the episodes released early on IPlayer or do not read spoilers. Repeated intentional offences of this rule could lead to a ban, Many thanks the EastEnders Wiki admin team.
Memorable LGBTQ moments in EastEnders history
Tony Hills, who appeared in EastEnders between and , was the first soap character to identify as bisexual. The character, played by Mark Homer, appeared in the soap for four years and began a relationship with Simon, played by Andrew Lynford, during that time. .
30 Years Today, First Gay Character Appeared In 'EastEnders
Colin Russell was born in in London. He had a brother Bill Russell. When Colin told his mum Ena Russell that he was gay, she and Colin's dad disowned him. Dot Cotton cared for Colin and stood by him. Colin, a graphic designer, moves in to 3A Albert Square in August . Colin Russell (EastEnders)
In , EastEnders introduced Colin Russell, a gay man, into the Albert Square mob. Neat in his ways, armed with a Filofax and one of those trendy keyrings which beeped if you whistled for them, Colin was still subjected to homophobic bigotry by other residents of the Square. .