Ryder’s terror at coming out as ruthless dad Ned exerts fearsome control in EastEnders

| Freelance soaps writer Published October 7, 2026 7:00am Ned takes action (Picture: BBC) EastEnders newcomer Ryder Hawkins (Felix Uff) is pushed further back into the closet as his fearsome father Ned Hawkins (Jamie Bamber) exerts control next week. In the coming days, fans will see Ryder open up to his aunt Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) about his sexuality, as it’s revealed he is dating a guy. However, it becomes clear he’s terrified about coming out to his parents, especially his former military-trained dad. Next week, ex-footballer Ryder comes under increasing pressure from his dad after an old coach encourages him to return to the sport. When Nicola learns about the struggles one of Ryder’s former teammates faced after coming out, she begins to better understand her nephew’s fears about doing the same. Later, Ryder and Nicola share another heart-to-heart, during which he talks about the lad he’s dating and his concerns about Ned’s influence on his life. Ryder feels encouraged to finally have an open conversation with his mum Gemma Hawkins (Patricia Potter), but little does he realise that Ned has overheard him asking to speak with her that evening. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Viewers know that Ned is hiding a dark side (Picture: BBC) As a result, Ned soon takes shocking action to control Ryder into conforming, leaving Ryder more scared than before about coming out. Ned’s latest nasty move comes at the same time he starts wielding power over Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) after he accidentally uncovers his affair with Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa). Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. He starts blackmailing Mark over the secret fling, and Lauren pushes Mark to do whatever it takes to stop Ned from spilling the beans, leaving him with no choice but to carry out some brutal orders. Earlier this month, Ned’s dark side emerged after it was revealed he had helped Nicola cover up her abusive father’s murder over 20 years ago. Having since bought into Nicola’s ailing local bar, he’s taken every opportunity to taunt his sister-in-law over her killer secret. Ryder reveals that he’s dating a guy (Picture: BBC) Actor Jamie Bamber, who plays Ned, recently teased to Metro that his character would have a sinister side to him. He revealed: ‘He dresses well and is naturally charming and confident. He’s enjoyed a great deal of success in life… Often, when someone works that hard to keep up appearances, it’s because there’s more going on beneath the surface. ‘There’s a real depth to him, and as the weeks go on, we’ll start to peel back those layers and discover that Ned is a far more complex character than he first appears.’ Deals of the Day Kurt Geiger's new Notting Hill collection is a love letter to London's chaotic weather I’ve found the Hoover gadget that could make cleaning your floors so much easier I tried L'Oréal Paris's new PDRN serum and my skin looked glossier after one use This new Cricut gadget turns your favourite photos into stickers in minutes From kitchen hatches to burgundy walls – the biggest home trends for 2027 EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 12th October at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. Arrow MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as two major characters return Arrow MORE: Sexual misconduct sacking exposed as EastEnders spoilers reveal what happens next Arrow MORE: EastEnders’ Ian stages return to Walford but new trauma causes him to flee The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.