How old is Ryder in EastEnders? Everything you need to know as actor Felix Uff's real age is revealed

Ryder's age has been causing some confusion...
Claire Crick

EastEnders fans have been left baffled over how old Ryder is meant to be. The character, who arrived in Walford with his family in August, has sparked speculation in recent weeks as viewers have tried to work out his age.

The character is currently in the middle of a huge new storyline after coming out to his aunt, Nicola Mitchell, last week.

The story has seen him battling with telling his family the truth about his sexuality, knowing his dad, Ned, wouldn’t approve.

Nicola has supported her nephew and encourages him to talk to his mum, Gemma, today.

But while Ryder tries to hide his sexuality from his dad, little does he know his dad has already worked out the truth after spotting him kissing another man in the Square.

The Hawkins family arrive in Walford
Ryder arrived with the rest of the Hawkins family this summer (Credit: BBC)

How old is Ryder in EastEnders?

While it hasn’t been officially confirmed by the BBC soap, Ryder is portrayed as being in his 20s on the soap.

It has never been addressed on screen how old Ryder is, but speculation began recently when Ned started commenting on Ryder’s need to make something of his life.

Until recently, when he started working at Harry’s Barn, Ryder didn’t have a job. However, he also doesn’t go to college or university, suggesting he has finished his education.

There has also been some confusion amongst fans after Nicola recently called him a ‘kid’. But viewers couldn’t work out whether it was just a term of endearment or not.

Fans have taken to social media to share their confusion…

“I don’t understand how old Ryder is supposed to be,” said one fan on X. 

“May I ask how old Ryder is meant to be?” said a second viewer. “He’s acting like a teenager but looks like he’s 45 with two kids and a wife? I’m more confused than usual.”

A third person agreed: “Ryder looks 30 but is being perceived as a teen. Make it make sense!”

While someone else pointed out that the Hawkins family tree doesn’t work. “Ryder and Ned look the same age. Hard to accept they are meant to be father and son!”

EastEnders
Ryder recently came out to Nicola (Credit: BBC)

How old is EastEnders actor Felix Uff?

While he plays a character in his twenties, actor Felix was born in 1994, making him 32.

Originally from Ipswich, Felix trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

EastEnders is his biggest role to date, but he has also starred in shows like Outlander, The Hunting Party, Witches of Essex, FBI: International and Too Much.

EastEnders
Ryder has been under pressure from Ned (Credit: BBC)

What happens next for Ryder in EastEnders?

In today’s EastEnders, Ryder’s old football coach comes to the house to see him. It later turns out that he has been called by Ned, who is keen to give his lad some purpose in life.

The football coach offers Ryder a job coaching, which has been orchestrated by Ned. However, Ryder is reluctant to accept after his former teammate was subjected to homophobic abuse in the game.

As this storyline continues, Ned’s pressure to repress who he really is starts to torment Ryder. But just how far will Ned go to turn Ryder into the son he believes he should be?

Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns