A surprise birthday celebration for Ryder turns into a tragedy on next week’s episode of Home and Away in the UK, as the birthday boy undergoes a horrific kidnapping scenario.
Since he showed up on his Aunt Leah’s (Ada Nicodemou) doorstep, Theo Poulos (Matt Evans) has caused quite a stir in Summer Bay, and one of those who has been particularly irritated by Theo’s presence is Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich).
Theo snatched Ryder’s girlfriend Chloe (Sam Barrett) right away and used his charm to persuade her that he might be a better partner than Ryder.
Ryder didn’t pay much attention at first, but after he overslept and missed the window for his and Chloe’s lunch delivery, he began to feel intimidated by Theo’s presence. Chloe’s knight in shining armour was a passing Theo, who volunteered to drive her in his car.
Since then, Theo has taken joy in teasing Ryder, who has grown increasingly irritated by his persistent presence. Ryder perceives Theo as a pest, but Theo sees their friendship as a growing bromance.
Chloe has been chastising Ryder for his disrespectful behaviour around Theo—after all, it was Leah who requested Chloe to keep an eye out for Theo while he got to know the place, and Chloe and Ryder owe her for allowing them use the restaurant kitchen after hours.
When Chloe told Theo she was planning a surprise birthday party for Ryder’s 21st, Theo jumped at the chance to help. When Ryder arrived and Theo and Chloe swiftly switched topics, Ryder got suspicious—what had he just interrupted?
The last preparations for the big birthday surprise are being made as we take up the action this week. Chloe enlists the help of Bella (Courtney Miller) and Nikau (Kawakawa Fox-Reo), who go to the diner to ask Irene (Lynne McGranger) for a cake.
Chloe tries to divert Ryder’s attention by pretending that a large order has just arrived and that he’ll need to go get some ingredients before meeting her at the diner. When Ryder inquires as to why Chloe is unable to accompany him, she responds that she has committed to assist Theo with something, which just adds to Ryder’s worry.
Theo gladly volunteers his skills when Chloe realises she has to bring Ryder to the nightclub without giving the game away. As Ryder walks out onto the dock to meet Chloe, Theo grabs him from behind and pulls a hood over his face, stuffing a horrified Ryder into the trunk of his car.
Ryder’s calls for aid are ignored as he is transported to the club, and when he eventually arrives and is unmasked, Ryder is furious at his captor’s identity.
Theo watches on in delight as Ryder screams at him, filming the incident for posterity.
“I don’t see why Chloe keeps falling for your act!” he cries before Theo instructs him to turn back.
Ryder is surprised to discover Chloe, Nikau, and Bella waiting for him.
The quartet enters the club as VIP guests for the evening, but Ryder finds it difficult to get excited about the surprise. Felicity (Jacqui Purvis) greets the guests and introduces them to their hostess, Anne (Megan Smart).
Ryder is still short with Theo, so Chloe asks him to cut him some slack—she had no idea what Theo had planned, but he had to get Ryder to the party somehow! As he walks away and starts downing champagne, she can’t understand why he’s in such a bad mood.
The fact that Ryder was ‘abducted’ by Theo must have been incredibly triggering for him, because the four of them were kidnapped for real last year by drug dealer Paul’s henchmen. It’s Bella who finally points out the obvious to Chloe. Chloe can’t believe she’s done something so dumb (and neither can we…)!
Chloe begs if he can simply put everything behind him and enjoy his evening, but they’re interrupted by Theo just as Ryder promises to try. Ryder’s anxieties are returned in full force.
Chloe sides with Theo when Ryder wants him to go, claiming she’d rather spend time with him when Ryder is being so harsh. Chloe then joins Theo on the dancing, leaving Ryder feeling as though his girlfriend is slipping away.
Ryder realises that two can play at that game and attempts to dance with Anne to make Chloe jealous while he drowns his sorrows.
An upheaval Chloe is well aware of Ryder’s plans and acknowledges to Bella that they are working.
Nik is compelled to contact Tane (Ethan Browne) to come take up Ryder as his behaviour escalates during the evening. Tane ultimately escorts Ryder out of the building, barely in time to save him from being ejected by security.
Ryder wakes up sleepy on the Paratas’ sofa the next morning, his first glimpse on his 21st birthday being an unimpressed Ari (Rob Kipa-Williams) hovering over him…
Ari inquires as to what transpired the night before, and Ryder inquires as to what Chloe has told…
Ari informs him that Chloe hasn’t mentioned anything since she hasn’t returned home!
Ryder can’t help but wonder… did Chloe spend the night with Theo instead of booking a hotel room for the two of them?
