In EastEnders, Kojo Asare has quickly cemented himself as a force to be reckoned with – caught in the crossfires of long-lost family drama, explosive confrontations, and complex friendships. But behind this breakout character lies a story far more powerful, raw, and inspiring than anything Albert Square has seen before.

This is the real journey of Dayo Koleosho – the man who brought Kojo to life, and whose off-screen rise is filled with determination, heartbreak, and triumphant resilience.

A Name You Don’t Know – A Legacy You’ll Never Forget

His on-screen persona might be named Kojo, but in real life, the man behind the character is Oludayo “Dayo” Koleosho, born in 1984 in the heart of Stoke Newington, Hackney. A London borough steeped in cultural vibrancy, but also a place where young dreamers often go unheard—especially those born different.

Dayo isn’t just an actor. He’s a pioneer.

Diagnosed as autistic, Dayo faced more obstacles than most. But instead of letting the world write his story, he picked up the pen himself. His journey didn’t start in drama schools or talent agencies. It began in a place many would overlook: Access All Areas.

A Theatre of Dreams: How Hackney Built a Star

Access All Areas is more than a theatre company. It’s a sanctuary. A home for adults with learning disabilities. For two decades, Dayo poured his heart into this community, growing not just as a performer, but as a man unafraid to challenge norms.

He graduated from the Performance Making Diploma in 2014—a programme overseen by the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. But his fire burned long before that. He made his professional debut in 2010 with Holby City, proving that his talent knew no boundaries.

From there, Dayo’s career blossomed, even if the world wasn’t always watching.

Breaking Through the Screen: Dayo’s Rise on TV

Dayo’s early roles were quiet but powerful: a heartfelt turn as Michael Dunham in Doctors, with his real-life classmate Yvonne Swift playing his on-screen wife—a casting choice that echoed the familial bonds Dayo builds both on and off screen.

He stormed the stage in 2014’s Eye Queue Hear UK tour and later made waves in theatre productions like Behind Closed Drawers, Jitney, Madhouse, and the hauntingly bold Imposter 22.

On screen, his roles in Channel 4’s Damned and BBC’s Strike added texture to his résumé. And in 2023, he landed a gripping role in Casualty as Jay Henderson—a performance that turned heads.

But it was 2024 that changed everything.

EastEnders Ignites: Meet Kojo Asare

When EastEnders introduced the world to George Knight’s long-lost brothers, few expected the emotional firestorm that would follow. Kojo, played by Dayo, wasn’t just another new face in Albert Square. He was part of a seismic family twist that sent shockwaves through the community—and viewers’ hearts.

Kojo arrived with brother Kobina (Jonathan Nyati), both grappling with their connection to George (Colin Salmon), a man trying to make peace with a past stolen from him. For Dayo, this wasn’t just a role. It was the embodiment of years of dedication, tears, and belief in something bigger than himself.

And the audience felt it.

Kojo’s clashes with icons like Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), and his growing bond with Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway), only deepened fans’ curiosity about the man behind the role.

“A Dream That Became Reality”

When asked about his EastEnders journey, Dayo didn’t hold back:

“It’s been absolutely amazing – I’m loving every minute of working with the cast and crew. It’s an incredible storyline for Kojo and his family.”

For someone who’s spent decades working quietly and tirelessly in theatre spaces built for inclusion, this moment is more than stardom. It’s vindication.

“It is a dream that has become reality,” he added. “There are many surprises and I’m taking every opportunity to work creatively with other talented actors.”

A Hero Behind the Scenes

Dayo Koleosho’s story isn’t just about breaking into television. It’s about rewriting the rules of representation. As one of the few openly autistic actors to land a major recurring role in one of the UK’s most iconic soaps, he’s become a symbol of hope for countless performers facing similar barriers.

His journey is a battle cry against invisibility—a declaration that neurodiverse actors belong not just on stage, but in every living room across Britain.

What’s Next for Dayo?

With his presence in EastEnders growing, and Kojo’s storyline deepening by the week, the future looks luminous. But one thing’s for sure: Dayo Koleosho won’t be confined to just one character or one show. His voice is needed in theatre, in film, in every medium that dares to reflect reality.

Because Dayo is reality—unfiltered, unshakable, and unforgettable.