HOTTING UP!
IS RYDER SETTING HIMSELF UP FOR MAJOR HEARTBREAK?
While Ziggy and Dean’s relationship strikes a rocky patch, that’s certainly not the case for two other fledgling Summer Bay romances!
In must-see developments, Willow (Sarah Roberts) and Alex (Zoë Ventoura)’s relationship continues to heat up, while Ryder (Lukas Radovich) this week makes his developing feelings known to newcomer Jade (Mia Morrissey)!
Certainly it’s clear that Willow and Alex have fallen for each other. This week, after spending the perfect day together – including a spot of skinnydipping! – they decide to take the next step in their relationship. But is Willow also ready to tell her friends that she and Alex are now an item? Let’s just say the decision may be taken out of Willow’s hands when one of the townsfolk walks in on her and Alex!
Elsewhere in the Bay, Ryder is becoming increasingly besotted with Jade.
“To Ryder, Jade has travelled, she’s educated and she’s worldly,” says Mia. “For Ryder, who is used to small-town life, she represents something bigger that he probably aspires towards.”
And when it seems that the gorgeous newcomer is flirting back with him, Ryder decides to seize the moment.
Taking a chance, the teen kisses Jade when they’re alone in the storeroom at Salt – and he’s thrilled when she kisses him back.
“I think that Jade sees Ryder as the cute local boy she can have a fling with,” says Mia.
“She is very aware of how strongly Ryder feels about her, because she quite enjoys it – she gets validation from admiration. She loves the game and loves the chase.”
For, as Mia reveals, the kiss appears to mean much more to Ryder than Jade.
“I think that Jade kisses quite a few boys – and there’s nothing wrong with that whatsoever,” she says. “But she tends to toss Ryder’s feelings and other people’s feelings aside a little because she’s just thinking about what makes her feel good.”