Colin Russell is portrayed as a middle-class yuppie with a kind heart. The character is Walford's first on-screen gay resident and he featured in the UK's first homosexual kiss on a soap opera, which caused controversy in the British press. He was played by Michael Cashman between 5 August 1986 and 23 February 1989, followed by a brief return in 2016 and 2022.
Backstory[]
Colin Russell was born in 1951 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.
Storylines[]
Time in Walford: 1986-1989[]
Colin, a graphic designer, moves in to 3A Albert Square in August 1986. He is one of several middle class characters who move to working class Walford in the late 1980s, attracted by relatively low property prices. Colin is homosexual but he keeps this from the other residents of Walford initially, causing embarrassment for Debbie Wilkins when she makes a pass at him. In November, Colin acquires a younger boyfriend named Barry Clark who he meets off-screen at a disco. Barry moves in to Colin's flat, and when Dot discovers they are sharing a bed, she is mortified and spreads rumours that Colin has AIDS. Some of the community shun Colin, refusing to speak to him as a result. Despite this altercation, Colin and Dot forge a close friendship when Colin supports Dot following her husband Charlie Cotton's bigamy.
In 1988, Colin starts feeling ill, he even is unable to get up off the sofa one time. He goes to see Doctor Legg who refers him for tests. The results are posted to the doctor and Colin has MS. However Doctor Legg says the next attack could be 20 years away so lies to him. In January 1989 Colin finds this out and is furious but comes to terms with it. He departs Walford in February 1989 with his new lover Guido Smith. Colin then cut all ties with Walford.
Brief returns: 2016 and 2022[]
Colin made his return to Albert Square on 8 September 2016. He now uses a walking stick due to his MS. He invited Dot to his wedding to a man called Eddie Tsang and visited her when she said she couldn't attend because it conflicted with her religious beliefs. Also, Colin visited the Queen Vic and had a brief chat with Johnny Carter. They talked about how gay people seem to be treated unfairly. Colin returned to Dot's place and together they reflected on Colin's previous time on the square, his relationship with Barry, and Dot's help with supporting him when his parents had disowned him because of his sexuality. He, Dot and Sonia Fowler go to the wedding and Dot states that he and Eddie looked wonderful and that Colin spoke his vows beautifully.
Six years later in December 2022, Colin again returned - this time for Dot's funeral. Later he is picked up by former boyfriend Barry, whom they have reunited. They share a passionate kiss together and drive off.
Resident history[]
| Address | Years |
|---|---|
| 3C Albert Square | 1986-1989 |
| Bristol | 1989 to present |