Ned Hawkins (Jamie Bamber) was left seething in EastEnders when he witnessed son Ryder (Felix Uff) kissing another man – and he takes cruel action next week amid the young lad’s attempt to come out. Ryder confided in Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) in emotional scenes on Thursday (October 8), opening up about his sexuality to his auntie, who couldn’t have been more supportive.
Offering him advice and urging him to live life as he wants, Nicola encouraged her nephew to call up the man he’s been speaking to online to organise a meet. Ryder did just that. Ned, meanwhile, wasted little time in getting to know Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) following his release from prison, offering the Walford legend support as he adjusted to life back in the Square.
Ned’s cruel reaction
Sadly that level of support did not extend to his own son as he looked upset and angry after spotting Ryder kissing a man in the Square at night. Much like Ryder suspected, Ned will not prove to be an ally – and the next episode will see him take shocking action.
What happens next in EastEnders?
New spoilers for Monday, October 12: Monday’s visit to the Square sees Ned determined to celebrate his own success, rallying the community together to mark him becoming co-owner of Harry’s Barn. However, with what he saw on the Square still lingering in his mind, the abusive patriarch turns his attention to Ryder, pressuring him into returning to sport after an old football coach makes contact.
Nicola learns the truth about one of Ryder’s former teammates – and the struggles he faced after coming out – so she starts to understand why her nephew is reluctant to open up to his loved ones about his sexuality.
Ryder confides in Nicola once more, discussing the man he’s been seeing and the concerns he has about Ned’s influence over his life. Nicola is as helpful as ever, offering sound advice and encouraging him to be honest with those closest to him. Armed with a newfound confidence thanks to his auntie Nic, Ryder resolves to have an important conversation and asks mum Gemma (Patricia Potter) if he can speak with her later on that day.
Ned, however, has overheard his request. The question is: just what will he do?
Ned’s discovery
The Harry’s Barn co-owner will have his hands pretty full on the day in question as he makes quite the discovery that will change everything. Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) decide to meet up once more to carry on their affair – but it doesn’t take long before they realise that someone is at No.31. Lauren reckons it’s just a handyman – but Mark is taken aback to realise it’s Ned, who makes a big demand in return for his silence.
Elsewhere, Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill) struggles with Linda’s (Kellie Bright) meddling but her attention is soon elsewhere when she bumps into ex Zack Hudson (James Farrar). Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), meanwhile, pays Denise Fox (Diane Parish) a visit at the hospital. Denise urges her to focus on her school work as opposed to her new boyfriend. Amy, however, struggles to ignore Craig Ingram (Matthew James Bailey), who demands her attention once more. And over at the Vic, Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) struggles in the wake of losing beloved daughter Zoe (Michelle Ryan), who died last month.
EastEnders airs these scenes Monday October 12 at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
