EastEnders newcomer Ryder Hawkins is played by actor Felix Uff, who joined the BBC soap as part of the new Hawkins family in summer 2026. While Ryder initially had a quieter introduction to Walford, the character is now stepping further into the spotlight as EastEnders explores his sexuality and his fear of coming out to his controlling father Ned.
The storyline has sparked more interest in Ryder, with some viewers also questioning exactly how old the character is supposed to be. Although Ryder’s age in EastEnders has not been officially confirmed, actor Felix Uff was born in 1994 and is 32 years old.
Fan theories on Ryder's age
The lack of a confirmed age for Ryder has led to plenty of speculation among fans, particularly as viewers attempt to work out where the character fits among the different generations currently living in Albert Square. Some have suggested Ryder could be around the same age as Harry Mitchell, putting him somewhere in his early to mid-20s. However, others believe Ryder could actually be closer to Felix’s real age.
One fan speculated: ‘I think Ryder is meant to be a similar age to Harry, about 23/24.’ Another viewer attempted to piece together clues from the Hawkins family’s history, writing: ‘Ned and Gemma said they first met in 1994, so the earliest Ryder could have been born is late 94 or early 95. Which would place him at early 30s, which is the actor’s age. If Ned was gallivanting around Spain and Amsterdam with Alfie in 2018 then it would make sense that Ryder was grown up by then, rather than Ned leaving Gemma at home with a child while he was off doing that.’
For now, however, those theories remain exactly that, as EastEnders hasn’t confirmed a date of birth or specific age for Ryder on screen.
Ryder's arrival and family ties
Ryder made his first appearance in Walford on August 31st, 2026, arriving alongside the rest of the Hawkins clan. He is the son of Ned and Gemma Hawkins, brother of Megan and grandson of family matriarch Rose Hawkins. His family connections also make him the nephew of Nicola Mitchell.
The Hawkins family’s arrival expanded Nicola’s history considerably, introducing viewers to her estranged relatives and quickly making it clear there were some complicated relationships beneath the surface. Ryder was initially involved in some more light-hearted moments following his arrival. In September, he and his aunt Jodie discovered bottles of champagne at Kim and Howie’s empty wedding venue in the community centre and decided to invite others along to drink them before eventually being caught.
However, his latest material is taking the character in a much more serious direction. Ryder is struggling with his sexuality and is frightened about how Ned will react if he comes out to him, with his father’s strict and controlling nature casting a shadow over him.
Felix Uff's background
The increased focus on Ryder means Felix is also getting a chance to show viewers more of the character after his relatively understated arrival. Away from Walford, Felix is an actor and writer originally from Ipswich, Suffolk. He trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama before building a career across acting, writing and theatre. EastEnders is now his most high-profile television role, with Ryder’s current storyline putting him firmly at the heart of the action.
And while viewers may continue debating Ryder’s age until the soap provides a definitive answer, one thing is much clearer: after a quieter start in Walford, fans are about to learn a lot more about him.
