An emotional rollercoaster hits Home and Away next week as Dana returns to Summer Bay with devastating news — her relationship with Xander is officially over. What started as a hopeful visit to Melbourne to salvage their romance ends in a heartbreaking reality check that sends shockwaves through the Bay.

After receiving an unexpected call from Xander announcing he wouldn’t be coming back to Summer Bay, Dana was determined to fix things. The six-week work placement that had taken Xander away was only supposed to be temporary. However, while in Melbourne, Xander landed his dream job as events manager for a prestigious hospitality group — an opportunity he just couldn’t pass up. His new plan? Settle in Melbourne permanently and have Dana move there to be with him.

But Dana wasn’t ready to give up her life in Summer Bay. Her responsibilities are deeply rooted there — Harper, her sister, is heavily pregnant and preparing to marry Tane. On top of that, Dana’s nursing job at Northern Districts Hospital and her volunteer duties at the surf club mean she has strong ties to the community. Though torn, she decided to travel to Melbourne in hopes of convincing Xander face-to-face that their relationship was worth fighting for.

Sadly, the trip didn’t go as planned. When Dana returns next week, she tells Harper that she and Xander went round in circles during their discussions, getting nowhere. The outcome? They’ve decided to part ways. Dana is heartbroken, and she finds herself seeking comfort at Salt with a few strong drinks. She draws attention from a newcomer, Sunny, but her friends Remy and Kirby quickly step in, warning her that diving into a rebound isn’t the answer.

Instead, Dana ends up back at Rose’s place. Rose, Xander’s sister, is also struggling with the reality of her brother’s sudden departure. The two bond over drinks, sharing frustrations and heartache. But tensions rise the next morning when Dana takes it upon herself to start packing up Xander’s belongings — a task Xander had left for Rose to handle. Dana’s sarcastic remarks about donating everything to charity hit a nerve, and Rose finally snaps. She reminds Dana that Xander didn’t just walk out on her — he left his sister too. Dana is stunned, but later finds Rose alone, reflecting in the park. She offers a heartfelt apology, acknowledging how self-centered she had been.

In a vulnerable moment, Rose opens up. She confesses that she only ever came to Summer Bay because of Xander, and now that he’s gone, she’s questioning whether she still belongs there. Viewers will remember that Rose and Xander arrived in 2022 to find their long-lost half-sister Jasmine. But Jasmine’s abrupt exit left Rose stranded emotionally, and Xander’s latest departure has reopened those wounds.

With Rose, Dana, and Bri all pitching in to pack up Xander’s things, the pain becomes more visible. Though Rose insists she’s fine, her emotions are clearly bubbling under the surface. Meanwhile, Mali — Xander’s close friend — checks in on Rose and lends her a sympathetic ear. Their conversation becomes a turning point for Rose. She admits she’s tired of putting her life on hold and wants to finally pursue her childhood dream of becoming a police detective. Encouraged by Mali’s support, she decides to start the application process right away.

Despite the emotional breakthroughs, Dana and Xander’s breakup casts a long shadow over the Bay. The split doesn’t just affect them — it leaves friends, family, and even Mali caught in the emotional fallout. As the residents of Summer Bay try to pick up the pieces, it’s clear that Dana and Xander’s love story has left a lasting mark.

Don’t miss next week’s powerful and emotional episodes of Home and Away — where hearts are broken, futures are questioned, and nothing will ever be quite the same.