After five years in Summer Bay, beloved Home and Away star Lukas Radovich has said goodbye to his fellow cast and crew.
Lukas’ final scenes were shot in December, but his final episode aired on Thursday night.
Ryder, the character he’s played since 2017, left the Bay with his mother Quinn to work as a croupier on a cruise ship.
On Thursday night, the 27-year-old posted to Instagram to thank his co-stars and fans for their support over the last five years.
“What an incredible ride. I can’t really express how the last 5 years has felt or impacted my life so I’ll keep it short,” he penned.
“I’ll miss the job, but most importantly I’ll miss the people. A special mention to @tony_gardiner for directing my final block with empathy.
“And thanks to the FANS OF THE SHOW who’ve made the experience unforgettable ❤… Until the next thing – catch you on the flipside ?”
On Lukas’ heartwarming post, past and present Home and Away stars expressed their love for him.
Summer Bay alum Sam Frost said commented: “You’re so loved by everyone ❤️ x” while H&A veteran Lynne McGranger wrote: “Love and miss you honey. Ps there’s some chilli sauce/salsa comin your way ?????.”
Laura Vazquez, the head makeup artist on Home and Away, paid a touching homage to Lukas, calling him a “amazing joy” to work with.
“Tonight we said goodbye to Ryder but we all said goodbye to Lukas a few months ago and it was quite an emotional one as he has been a huge part of the Home and Away family,” she wrote.
“Thank you Lukas for being an absolute joy to have in my chair always. I got to know you throughout the years and we shared some lovely moments in the wee early hours of the mornings.
“Never in a bad mood and always so caring. I wish you nothing but the best. Such a talented actor and and a wonderful human. Bye-bye Ryder and see you later Little Lukas ❤️.”
After being pictured standing under a “Bon Voyage” banner at a gathering with the cast and staff in December, it was first reported that Lukas was departing the show.
Lukas earned the role of Ryder, the rather wild grandson of Home and Away icon Alf Stewart, when he was just 22 and fresh out of the Western Australian Academy Of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
Lukas gave Summer Bay veterans Ray Meagher and Georgie Parker credit for taking him under their wing at the time.
“I think Georgie and Ray have had the biggest impact, and that’s partly because I’ve spent the most time with them,” Lukas stated in 2017.
“Ray has been quite helpful to me. He assists me in personalizing the script. He claims that they are more than just words on a page.”
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