Home > Drama > EastEnders: Neil McDermott says reaction to baby storyline was “blown out of proportion” January 29th, 2011 by Sarah. No comments EastEnders actor Neil McDermott, who of course plays Ryan Malloy, has told Holy Soap that he believes fans’ reaction to the cot death and baby swap storyline was “blown out of proportion.” However, Neil had previously stated that he and his wife Michelle wouldn’t watch the New Year’s Eve storyline as it would be too upsetting in light of the fact that their own baby was due to be born. The couple welcomed baby Arabella Betsy early in January, but on the subject of the storyline, Neil said, “We didn’t watch it because Michelle was a few days overdue when that was going on. “At the end of the day, if something is going to upset you don’t watch it.” He added, “Janine tried to poison her husband at Christmas and stabbed herself and no-one blinked an eyelid… “EastEnders does try and tackle these stories, like the paedophilia one with Whitney...