Just When You Think Ned Couldn’t Sink Any Lower…
Ned Hawkins has been determined to prevent his son, Ryder, from coming out ever since he secretly caught him kissing another man in EastEnders last week.
However, the latest episode took the situation to an even more disturbing level, as Ned turned to blackmail and manipulation in an attempt to keep Ryder’s sexuality a secret.
The shocking developments have left fans furious, with many expressing their disappointment at Ned’s increasingly sinister behaviour.
Ned Blackmails Mark in Today’s EastEnders
After catching Mark and Lauren together at No. 31 yesterday, Ned decides to use their secret affair to his advantage and begins blackmailing Mark.
Mark is clearly uncomfortable about getting involved with the newcomer in Walford. However, realising he has little choice, he agrees to meet Ned in the office at Harry’s Barn. But Mark is left horrified when he discovers what Ned expects in exchange for keeping quiet.
Ned demands that Mark frighten Ryder, seemingly hoping to scare his son into keeping his sexuality a secret.
Mark is appalled that Ned wants him to attack his own son. However, Ned turns the situation around by reminding Mark that he is having an affair with another man’s wife.
Mark initially refuses to carry out the request, insisting that he will not do what Ned wants. However, Ned later tracks him down at home and continues applying pressure, using manipulation and mind games to get his way.
Eventually, Lauren convinces Mark to agree to Ned’s demands.
Mark explains to Lauren that Ned was the person who caught them together and has asked him to do a job in return for keeping their affair secret. However, he does not reveal exactly what Ned wants him to do.
Assuming the request cannot be too serious, Lauren encourages Mark to go along with Ned’s wishes to protect their secret and prevent their affair from being exposed.
Mark Attacks Ryder
Eventually, Mark follows Ned’s orders and attacks Ryder outside the Albert while Ryder is out with Josh.
However, Mark does not expect Ryder to fight back. As the situation escalates, Mark ends up hitting him much harder than he originally intended.
After the attack, Mark flees the scene, feeling disgusted with himself over what he has done. Meanwhile, Harry discovers Ryder injured in the street and quickly takes him home.
Gemma is horrified when she sees her son’s condition, while Ryder is left deeply shaken by the brutal assault.
Meanwhile, Ned pretends to be a concerned and caring father, despite being the person responsible for setting the whole attack in motion.
EastEnders Fans React to Ned and Mark’s Shocking Storyline
Viewers have been left appalled by Ned’s decision to target his own son. However, fans have also noticed what they believe is a major plot hole in the storyline.
Many have questioned why Mark would allow someone like Ned to manipulate him and dictate his actions, especially given his connection to the powerful Mitchell family.
“The son of Grant Mitchell pandering to Ned? Look at him, he’s younger and twice the size. Just put Ned on the floor, and tell him where to go!” one fan pointed out on Reddit.
Another viewer agreed, commenting: “Mark letting Ned blackmail him is such bad writing. Make it make sense!”
A third fan shared their frustration, saying: “Mark is disgusting. He didn’t have to do this and only did it because he thinks Lauren will leave him if the affair comes out.”
Meanwhile, another viewer added: “Ned is even more disgusting. Of course he is a villain, but this is beyond what I expected.”
With Ned’s actions leaving Ryder injured and Mark and Lauren’s secret affair still threatening to come to light, the consequences of the latest events look set to create further drama for Walford’s residents.
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