Ex-Home and Away Star Sarah Roberts Reveals Unbreakable Bonds After Leaving Summer Bay | Home and Away Spoilers!

In the glimmering world of soap operas, where characters come and go and storylines twist with every new episode, it’s rare for the emotional weight of on-screen drama to bleed into reality. But for former Home and Away star Sarah Roberts, the relationships she forged during her time in Summer Bay have proven to be not only real but unbreakable. Four years after her emotional departure from the long-running Australian soap, Roberts has opened up in an exclusive and heartfelt interview with the Daily Mail Australia, shedding light on the deep connections, behind-the-scenes camaraderie, and her hopes for a potential return to the beloved series.

Sarah Roberts captivated audiences as the fierce, independent, and complex Willow Harris from 2017 to 2021. Willow’s journey on the show was nothing short of a rollercoaster — a woman torn between love and loyalty, often finding herself entangled in Summer Bay’s signature blend of romance, betrayal, and redemption. As Willow, Roberts quickly became a fan favorite, earning praise for her emotional depth and strong screen presence.

Yet, as Roberts reveals, the most lasting element of her time on Home and Away wasn’t the fame or dramatic plotlines, but the genuine friendships that bloomed behind the camera. “One of my best friends was one of my castmates on Neighbours — that goes way back,” Roberts shared, fondly reminiscing about her early days in the Aussie television industry. “Another one of my best friends is Emily Weir — she’s from Home and Away. I’ve also made friends with a lot of the newer cast members because Emily is close with them, and we all hang out together.”

Her recent 40th birthday party, which took place on a yacht gliding across the stunning Sydney Harbour, became a testament to just how strong those bonds remain. “It was full of a lot of the Home and Away cast,” Roberts said. “I get really close to people and really value my friendships.”

For Roberts, these connections transcend casual workplace acquaintance. She described the unique emotional intimacy that naturally develops among soap actors, who often have to lay bare their emotions on set day after day. “Soap stars form such powerful bonds because we have to be so emotionally vulnerable with each other,” she explained. “You share so many deep, dark secrets about yourself, and you have to develop a lot of trust. That lends itself to strong friendships — they’re forged in the fire, in a way.”

Willow’s time in Summer Bay was marked by powerful relationships and intense story arcs, including her deep bond with Dean Thompson, her romantic entanglement with Alex Neilson, and the emotional turmoil of reconnecting with estranged family. Roberts’ portrayal brought a grounded authenticity to Willow’s tough exterior and hidden tenderness, earning her widespread acclaim.

Now, years removed from those intense filming days, Roberts has shifted her focus to exciting new ventures while still holding a soft spot for her soap opera roots. Most recently, she has joined the cast of Scrublands, an Australian drama based on Chris Hammer’s best-selling novel. The series promises a gritty, noir-style exploration of secrets in a rural town, and Roberts is relishing the opportunity to dive into a darker, more suspenseful role.

But she isn’t done dreaming. “I have my eyes on something long-running and powerful,” Roberts confessed. “A show like Game of Thrones or Breaking Bad — something that challenges me and really pushes my limits as an actor.” Despite these Hollywood aspirations, she hasn’t ruled out a return to the Australian soaps that helped shape her career.

“I’d love to — you know I would go back and do longer stints on both Home and Away and Neighbours,” she said with an earnest smile. “I mean, sadly I don’t think Neighbours is running anymore, is it?” Her comment was laced with both nostalgia and hope — a testament to how much these series still mean to her.

While Neighbours has indeed faced cancellation and revival twists of its own, the door to Summer Bay remains wide open. In the world of Home and Away, where no goodbye is ever truly final, fans have long speculated and hoped for Willow’s return. Could she step back into the Bay’s sandy shores, perhaps in a new storyline that reunites her with old flames, or sees her taking on a mentor role to a new generation?

For now, Roberts is embracing her present — thriving in new roles, nurturing her treasured friendships, and navigating the entertainment industry with the same determination that made Willow Harris unforgettable. She remains a vivid reminder that the strongest stories are not only those written in scripts but also those lived off-screen — full of loyalty, love, and laughter.

As she continues to chart her journey in the world of film and television, fans of Home and Away will undoubtedly keep their eyes peeled for any sign of Willow’s return. After all, in the soap world, anything can happen — and for Sarah Roberts, Summer Bay is more than just a set. It’s a home filled with memories, connection, and the kind of bonds that never fade.

So while she may have sailed away from Summer Bay, the tide of friendship and possibility continues to carry her forward — perhaps, one day, right back to where it all began.