Ryder comes out as gay in EastEnders but a sinister development follows

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published October 8, 2026 9:32am Updated October 8, 2026 9:32am Ryder opened up about his sexuality (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) EastEnders spoilers follow for Thursday’s (October 8) episode, which can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm. Ryder Hawkins (Felix Uff) bravely came out to Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) in emotional EastEnders scenes. Nicola, as viewers know, struck up a bond with the young lad, who was having a difficult time with dad Ned (Jamie Bamber), who undermines and belittles him at every opportunity. And it’s not just Ryder that has found Ned’s presence overwhelming, with Nic too struggling to come to terms with the fact that her brother-in-law essentially blackmailed his way into co-owning Harry’s Barn, using a secret from the past as leverage. Picking up on tension between Ryder and Ned, Nicola decided to take the former under her wing, showing him the ropes of working a bar. After Ned undermined him again, Nicola took Ryder out for lunch. Ryder later approached a girl in the park and took her back to Harry’s Barn, where he publicly kissed her, hoping his loved ones – namely dad Ned – would be nearby to witness it. Nicola proved supportive (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Nicola was taken aback and told him that she doesn’t mind who he sees, which left Ryder with food for thought as he later asked for a moment of her time. Knowing exactly what was on his mind, Nicola proved supportive, asking him if he’s gay. Ryder bravely nodded, with Nicola opening out her arms and telling him that she loves him. Ryder revealed that he’s never told anyone in the family as he didn’t want to put mum Gemma (Patricia Potter) – who would be super supportive – in an awkward position. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Because Ned, he assured Nic, would not be okay with it. Ned has been making life difficult for Ryder (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Nicola wasn’t so sure but Ryder was adamant, revealing that his dad made comments in the past that suggested such a thing. As Ryder revealed that he’d been messaging someone online, Nicola encouraged him to give the guy a call. Ned, meanwhile, was inquisitive about what Ryder’s plans were for the evening, which seemingly spooked Nicola. The situation then took quite a turn when Ned, offering support to Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) on his doorstep, spotted Ryder in the Square kissing a man. The expression on his face would certainly suggest that Ryder’s theory about his dad being unsupportive of his sexuality was correct. The question is: just what will he do? And is there danger on the cards for Ryder? Deals of the Day Kurt Geiger's new Notting Hill collection is a love letter to London's chaotic weather Dyson fans are swapping to this Hoover vacuum-mop that washes floors as it cleans 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 Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as show icons reach breaking point Arrow MORE: Unexpected Ian twist and Linda breakthrough as EastEnders spoilers reveal what happens next Arrow MORE: EastEnders confirms staggering Nicola twist after she kills family member The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.