For Ethan, football came first. TV followed.
The 14-year-old from York, who has congenital melanocytic naevus, or CMN, has joined season four of the show as a squad member at fictitious football academy Hawx United.
CMN is a genetic condition that can result in large birthmarks covering up to 80 percent of the body.
Ethan was selected for the series while he was with York City FC Academy. His audition involved playing a football match against the show’s existing actors to show off his skills, after which he was cast.
Although the role had no speaking part, Ethan said he still got plenty of screen time and a few close-ups.
“It was the first time, it was all pretty much new to me,” he said, adding the main issue was keeping a straight face and not laughing.
He said representing people with visible skin differences “never really crossed his mind”, because his focus has always been playing football.
His parents, Tom and Abbi, said his birthmark had “never defined him” and that his achievements reflected his “determination and strength”.
They said they “couldn’t be prouder” of their son, and said his time on TV, alongside his football career, had helped with “confidence building”.
“He’s just is who he is,” Abbi said. “I think just getting out there, people are accepting of it. Everyone we know just treats Ethan as Ethan.”
Executive producer Sam Talbot said Ethan’s role reflected “something that is hugely important to us as a show”.
“We want all children to see themselves represented on screen and to feel that they belong in the stories we tell,” he said.
“Creating a world that reflects the diversity and individuality of our audience will always be at the heart of what we do.”
Jodi Whitehouse, from CMN charity Caring Matters Now, said: “Seeing Ethan on screen means so much, not only to our CMN community but to every young person who has ever felt different because of how they look.”
Over the years, Ethan’s family have raised money and attended events run by the charity.
Whitehouse, the charity’s CEO, said: “Positive representation has the power to change perceptions, build confidence and help children realise they don’t have to hide or change who they are to achieve incredible things.
“Confidence isn’t about looking a certain way.
“It’s about believing in yourself, embracing who you are and not allowing your appearance to define your ambitions.”
With filming finished and the series now available on BBC iPlayer, Ethan said he would “definitely go [back] for another” season.
“It was really fun and I enjoyed all of it,” he said.
He is now focusing on football again and currently trains with Leeds United scout and coach Callum McKenzie. He has also been selected to play in a PYE Elite team at an international tournament in Sweden.
“You’ve got to take the opportunities as [they] come,” his dad said. “To go and put yourself in positions like being on TV or putting yourself out there playing football at quite high levels, it’s good for him.”
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