| Ryder Jackson | |||||||||||||||
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| Home and Away character | |||||||||||||||
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| Portrayed by | Lukas Radovich | ||||||||||||||
| Duration | 2017–2022 | ||||||||||||||
| First appearance | 25 October 2017 | ||||||||||||||
| Last appearance | 5 May 2022 | ||||||||||||||
| Classification | Former; regular | ||||||||||||||
| Introduced by | Lucy Addario | ||||||||||||||
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Ryder Jackson is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by Lukas Radovich. The character made his first screen appearance on 25 October 2017. The character is introduced as the long-lost grandson of original character Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). His mother is Quinn Jackson (Lara Cox), who is estranged from Alf. When he arrives in Summer Bay Alf does not know he exists, but his aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) convinces him to stay. Ryder is characterised as "mischievous" teenager with a "confident" and "cocky" attitude. Radovich has called him the product of a "broken home". Upon arrival he is portrayed as a "bad boy" committing thefts, including driving a stolen car which hits and injures Roo. Writers used Alf's influence over Ryder to help him improve his behaviour. The actor believed that Ryder grew up and matured during his first year on the show.
The writers made a friendship group between Ryder, Coco Astoni (Anna Cocquerel) and Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble). They compete for his attention but Ryder develops an attraction to Coco. The pair go on to have an on/off relationship. Ryder later befriends Ty Anderson (Darius Williams), who was Home and Away's first gay character in years. Writers planned a same-sex kiss scene for Ryder and Ty. When the pair spend time alone together Ty kisses Ryder who does not reciprocate. Despite not feeling the same, Ryder has a positive reaction and is supportive of his best friend. The scene was controversial with some viewers, but the storyline and Ryder's reaction drew praise from critics and viewers. The character departed on 5 May 2022.