EastEnders Ryder hides huge secret as Ned takes dark turn
EastEnders’ Ryder struggles with coming out to his family as controlling dad Ned pressures him to return to football and be someone he isn’t.
Ryder is hiding a huge secret from his family in EastEnders, but his growing bond with Nicola could finally give him the confidence to reveal the truth.
Coming up, Ryder admits he is gay and has been seeing a man. While Nicola encourages her nephew to be himself, the darker problem is Ned and just how his controlling father could react.
Ryder is terrified of disappointing Ned
Ned wants Ryder to return to football after his former coach gets in touch, but Ryder is reluctant.
Nicola discovers one of his former teammates was bullied after coming out as gay, giving Ryder another reason to fear returning to that world.
Ryder also admits he is frightened of disappointing his dad.
He eventually prepares to open up to Gemma, unaware that Ned has overheard enough of the conversation to realise his son is hiding something.
Viewers had already picked up on Ryder's vulnerability before the storyline was confirmed.
One online fan predicted his sexuality storyline while describing him as “quite a sensitive soul actually” and noting his difficult relationship with Ned.
Others have been asking for more Ryder since the Hawkins family arrived, with another viewer simply writing: “Wish we had more Ryder and the dog.”
Those viewers are now getting their wish, but Ryder's new story could become considerably darker depending on Ned's response.
Nicola appears ready to stand firmly behind her nephew. Whether Ned can do the same may tell viewers much more about the man currently presenting himself as Walford's calm and collected therapist.
EastEnders airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer. Images: BBC.
