‘I CAN’T WAIT TO BE A DAD’
There’s little doubt that 2019 is shaping up to be a huge year for talented actor Jake Ryan. While his hugely popular TV alter-ego – Summer Bay dad-to-be Robbo – is at the heart of one the show’s most dramatic storylines, the star has been quietly preparing for the most important role of his own life – fatherhood.
Jake and his partner Alice Quiddington are expecting their first child, a son, in October. And, as the down-to-earth star confirms in a candid chat, he can’t wait to meet his baby boy.
“We’re very excited,” says Jake. “We’ve got two months to go now. I’ve had good practice on set the last few months!
“I can’t wait for it now,” he adds. “We’re just sort of sitting here, but we’ve got everything sorted. It’s going to be a big shock to the system, but a very welcome one.”
What type of dad does Jake hope to be?
“You always hope that you’ll be the best caring and supporting dad that you can,” he says. “We’ll be doing everything to make that happen. But, as long as everyone is happy and healthy, that’s all you can really ask for.”
Asked whether he would love his child to one day follow in his dramatic footsteps, Jake doesn’t hesitate to respond.
“Oh God, no!” he laughingly exclaims.
“I wouldn’t let him near acting!
Let him go to university or get a trade!
“But I was really lucky that my parents were supportive of whatever I did, and
I changed my career path quite a few times before I found acting. If your kid has a passion for something, you just have to nurture that passion and give them all the tools possible.”
Meanwhile, on screen, Robbo recently tied the knot with his soulmate Jasmine (Sam Frost) – only for the pair to be whisked from the reception directly into witness protection, along with a heavily-pregnant Tori (Penny Mcnamee), who is expecting Robbo’s baby.
“My heart has gone out to Jasmine,” says Jake. “She’s
“YOU ALWAYS HOPE THAT YOU’LL BE THE BEST CARING AND SUPPORTING DAD THAT YOU CAN”
chosen to spend her life with this guy knowing he has a bit of a past, and she sticks by him the whole time.
“Now it’s pretty much Robbo’s worst fear that is coming to light. His nightmare has become a reality and the timing couldn’t be worse.
“It’s just one thing after another and Robbo’s hanging on by a thread the whole time. But keeping
Jasmine and Tori and his unborn baby safe has always been his priority.”
For 35-year-old Jake, bringing the high drama to life has been a challenge he’s really relished.
“The last few months of filming, it’s been back to the physicality that we first saw with Robbo when he entered the Bay, and I think people will be happy to see this side of Robbo back,” he says.
“And I love this stuff – running around and playing cops and robbers.
“It’s like being a kid again. I try and put my hand up for as many of my own stunts as I can, and then I let the professionals come in for the ones that are a bit more technical.
“The storylines are well written, and you do get into a really good routine here because the workload is so big. Once you’ve finished a scene, you’re moving onto the next one.”
Jake also recently completed work on the gritty New Zealand movie Savage – inspired by the true story of Kiwi street gangs – in which he plays the lead role of Danny.
“Filming the movie was very intense, but hugely rewarding,” he has said of the film project. “Everyone knew we were working on something pretty special. It’s an important story to tell.”
Certainly, life has never been fuller for the Home and Away favourite – and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“You’re physically tired at the end of the day and do feel that you’ve earned an honest dollar as well,” he says with a smile. “I’m hoping that the fans will be excited to see what unfolds next for Robbo. I know I was excited to read it and now play it.”