Ryan plays the newcomer Sonny Baldwin in Home and Away, who made his debut earlier this year, but he’s not the only soap star in his relationship, with his new fiancée also a familiar face to fans
Ryan Bown has already made an impression as Sonny Baldwin in Home and Away.
He made the giant leap to return to his home country of Australia to take the role, after previously living in England with his girlfriend.
And he’s not the only soap actor in his relationship, as people might recognise his new fiancée from some popular British shows.
Home and Away
Ryan studied at 7he National Institute of Dramatic Art, which is based in Kensington, Australia.
One of his most well-known roles to date is Sonny Baldwin in Home and Away. He landed the part in early 2025.
Ryan was introduced as a friend of Remi Carter and was the former promotor and mascot of his band Lyrik with Kirby Aramoana.
Outside of the soap, he starred in several short films like The Story of Us, No One Else Will and Dinner with Friends.
Engagement
Ryan is in a relationship with fellow actress Natalie Spence, who has appeared in many different British soap operas. She is originally from Bedfordshire in England.
The Home and Away star previously lived in London for four years and was there when the audition for the Aussie soap came along.
“The timing was wild,” he told TV Week. “My landlord was selling our apartment, so we [Ryan and Natalie] had to leave. The day we moved was the day of my final audition.
“We were in an empty apartment with a bottle of champagne and pizza waiting until midnight to do my final round over Zoom. Two days later, I got the offer.”
He shared: “It’s a huge move. I love London and my partner is British, so it involved her coming over as well.
“But she was the one who got me over the line. She said, ‘I’m keen for the adventure. Let’s go’. Three days later, I flew home.”
In February 2025, Ryan posted a heartwarming tribute to Natalie on their five-year anniversary.
He wrote: “5 years. Laughs, cries, adventure, success, failure and lots of Gin. Always lots of Gin. I love you Darling x”.
The couple went out for a romantic dinner together at a fancy steak house.
Later that month, he popped the big question on 13 April 2025 while they enjoyed a staycation at Sierra Escape Mudgee, which is a luxury eco glamping experience in New South Wales, Australia.
Natalie’s soap career
Natalie has appeared in several different British soap operas, including Emmerdale and EastEnders.
She played a journalist for the Walford Gazette in EastEnders called Beth for two episodes in 2021. The following year, she also starred as a character called Abi in Emmerdale for two episodes.
The actress may also be familiar to other fans of other popular British shows like Casualty and Outlander.
