“I’ll miss the job, but most importantly I’ll miss the people”: Lukas Radovich says goodbye to Home and Away

Beloved Home and Away star Lukas Radovich has said goodbye to his fellow cast and crew following five glorious years in Summer Bay.

Lukas filmed his final scenes in December, though his last episode on the soap aired on Thursday night.

His character Ryder, who he’s portrayed since 2017, departed the Bay with his mother Quinn to become a casino croupier on a cruise ship.

The 27-year-old took to Instagram on Thursday night to thanks his co-stars and fans for their support over the past 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 😘”

Home and Away stars past and present shared their love for Lukas on his heartwarming post.

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 💙😘💪🏽🥰.”

Home and Away’s head makeup artist Laura Vazquez shared a sweet tribute to Lukas, saying he was an “absolute 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 ❤️.”

It was first reported in December that Lukas was rumoured to be leaving the show after he was photographed standing under a “Bon Voyage” banner at a party featuring the cast and crew.

Lukas was just 22 and fresh out of Western Australian Academy Of Performing Arts (WAAPA) when he landed the role of Ryder, the somewhat wild grandson of Home and Away icon Alf Stewart.

At the time, Lukas credited Summer Bay veterans Ray Meagher and Georgie Parker for taking him under their wings.

“I feel like Georgie and Ray are the people who have made the most impact, and that’s partly because I’ve spent the most time with them,” Lukas said in 2017.

“Ray really has given me a helping hand. He helps with making the script my own. He tells me they’re not just words on a page.”