EastEnders’ Colin Salmon reveals his son is autistic as he opens up about how much latest storyline means to family
EASTENDERS actor Colin Salmon has opened up about the reason why the soap’s most recent autism storyline has been significant for his family.
The star, who plays George Knight in Walford, has been vocal in his defence of the soap’s writers choosing to feature Kojo Knight as an autistic character.
When Lord Sugar slammed the portrayal of the neurological condition as “disingenuous”, Colin was quick to hit back.
He took the business mogul to task on X, saying: “Our duty as storytellers is to tell stories from all walks of life.
“Regardless of how hard or sad it is for ‘you’ to watch. Many of us walk a different path but we are loved, valued members of real families.
“Authentic representation in popular culture helps bring about & consolidate understanding and empathy.”
Other EastEnders fans went on to point out that the actor who plays Kojo, Dayo Koleosho, is autistic himself.
Colin has now shared his personal link with autism, explaining why he has been protective of his on-screen brother’s diagnosis.
He told the Sun: “My son’s got autism, so it means a lot to me that we’re representing that in the show.
“It meant a lot to my son as well, he’s quite excited about that.
“I don’t know if I’ve put more of myself as I tend to give everything I’ve got anyway.
“But because of the autism we have to create a safe environment, we have to keep it calm, it’s such a positive thing having him [Dayo Koleosho] on set and he always knows his lines, which is more than I can say for some people.”
In the world of EastEnders, George met his long lost brother Kojo for the first time last week.
George has been grappling with the shock of discovering the truth about his father Henry’s murder, and his true heritage.
When his Ghanian siblings make an appearance he is even more taken aback, but welcomes them to stay at the Vic.
However, he soon clashes with Elaine as she says she isn’t equipped to manage Kojo’s needs.