Who is Ethan Kai? Get to know the Emmerdale breakout star
British actor Ethan Kai has steadily carved a name for himself in television and theatre, earning acclaim for his emotionally charged performances and versatile roles. From his breakout appearance in Emmerdale to his recent turn in The Turkish Detective, Ethan Kai continues to captivate audiences with his depth, discipline, and dedication to craft.
Source: Instagram
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Ethan Kai gained recognition for his role as Kasim Sabet in Emmerdale.
- He has appeared in Killing Eve, Carnival Row, and The Turkish Detective.
- Ethan Kai is British and of Turkish descent.
Ethan Kai's profile summary
Full name | Ethan Kai |
Date of birth | 25 June 1994 |
Age | 31 years old (as of 2025) |
Zodiac sign | Cancer |
Place of birth | Leeds, England |
Current residence | London, United Kingdom |
Nationality | British |
Ethnicity | Turkish-British |
Sexuality | Straight |
Height | 5′10″ (178 cm) |
Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) |
Hair colour | Dark brown |
Eye colour | Brown |
Relationship status | Single |
Education | ALRA, BA (Hons) Acting |
Profession | Actor, model |
Social media |
Ethan Kai: A rising force in British television and theatre
Ethan Kai’s journey into acting began with short films and minor television roles. However, it was his portrayal of Kasim Sabet in the British TV show, Emmerdale, that marked a turning point in his career, setting the stage for further growth.
The character, a love interest of Aaron Dingle, was part of a storyline that explored identity and acceptance. Ethan’s performance was praised for its sincerity, establishing him as a promising talent.
Source: Original
What has Ethan Kai appeared in?
Ethan Kai has built a diverse portfolio across television and film. Below are the movies and TV shows Ethan Kai appeared in, as per IMDb:
Movie/TV show | Role | Year |
Mount Pleasant | Milo | 2016 |
Emmerdale Farm | Kasim Sabet | 2016 to 2017 |
Instrument of War | Frank Romero | 2017 |
Doctors | Aashiq Pierce | 2018 |
Killing Eve | Tony | 2019 |
London Kills | Deniz Kurtar | 2019 |
Carnival Row | Éamonn | 2023 |
The Turkish Detective | Mehmet Suleyman | 2023 |
House of David | Jonathan | 2025 |
Batgirl | TBA | TBA |
Ethan Kai's stage work is equally compelling. In Equus, Ethan portrayed Alan Strang, a psychologically complex role that demanded emotional and physical intensity. In a 2023 interview with Culture Calling, he said,
I knew from my first audition that it was going to be an incredibly challenging role... Not only because of the heightened state of emotion, but because he’s a completely different person to me.
Ethan Kai’s modelling experience adds to his creative portfolio
Ethan Kai has also pursued professional modelling, further demonstrating his versatility across fashion and performance. According to Backstage, he participated in the Society Performers Nationals in Los Angeles in January 2024, representing LA Prestige Talent in a final showcase.
In July 2024, he modelled for the Shasa & Liverpool campaign in Mexico City under InStyle Models, and also walked in the Secret Fashion Show in Guadalajara with Saint Models.
Source: UGC
Where is Ethan Kai from? Exploring his nationality and background
Kai was born in England and holds British nationality. However, Ethan Kai’s nationality is often discussed in relation to his Turkish heritage.
His casting as Mehmet Süleyman in The Turkish Detective prompted speculation about his ethnicity. While he has not publicly confirmed his ethnic background, several sources suggest he is of Turkish-British descent.
FAQs
How old is Ethan Kai?
The actor is 31 years old as of September 2025, having been born on 25 June 1994.
Source: Instagram
What is Ethan Kai’s height?
Actor Ethan Kai is approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall.
Who is Ethan Kai's wife?
The actor is seemingly not married or in a relationship at the time of writing. However, he was romantically linked to Leslie Grace in 2022.
Wrapping up
Ethan Kai continues to challenge himself with complex roles across stage and screen. From Emmerdale to Equus and The Turkish Detective, his performances reflect a commitment to authenticity and emotional depth. As his career unfolds, Kai remains one of Britain’s most compelling rising actors.
READ MORE: Who is Matthew Broome? All about the 'My Fault: London' star
Briefly.co.za published the profile of Matthew Broome, a British actor who rose to prominence after starring as Nick in My Fault: London. He had previously gained attention for portraying Guy Thwarte in Apple TV+’s period drama The Buccaneers.
A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Broome has also performed in stage productions, including Twelfth Night and The Comedy of Errors.
Source: Briefly News
