In a major surprise twist sure to excite long-time fans, Home and Away is preparing to bring back one of its most beloved couples for a landmark storyline airing in 2026. After a decade away from the fictional shores of Summer Bay, Daryl “Brax” Braxton and Ricky Sharpe—played by Stephen Peacocke and Bonnie Sveen—are officially making their return to the Australian soap. The special episodes are currently in development and promise to be a nostalgic and emotionally charged experience for viewers who watched the pair’s unforgettable love story unfold over the years.
Sources close to the production have confirmed that filming will take place later this year across several breathtaking locations in Western Australia, marking a bold new chapter for the show. This storyline is particularly significant because it represents Home and Away’s first time stepping away from its long-standing home on Sydney’s northern beaches. After 36 years, the soap is venturing beyond the familiar borders of Summer Bay to explore new territory—both literally and narratively.
The production team is partnering with Tourism Western Australia to film a dramatic arc that will reveal where life has taken Brax and Ricky since they left the Bay in 2016. Fans will remember the iconic scene where the couple drove off together into the sunset, leaving behind a trail of memories and questions about what their future might hold. Now, 10 years later, those questions are finally being answered.
What makes this return particularly impactful is how tightly it’s been kept under wraps. When Home and Away producers teased a “high-stakes” storyline involving a change in location, fans speculated on various plot twists—but few anticipated the return of Brax and Ricky, one of the show’s most iconic and passionately followed couples. Their love story, filled with drama, loyalty, and tragedy, was a cornerstone of the series during its peak years in the early 2010s.
Stephen Peacocke, now 43, spoke warmly about stepping back into Brax’s shoes. “Home and Away gave me my start, and I’ll always be thankful for that,” he said. “The fans have supported me through every phase of my career, and when the idea of bringing Brax back came up, it just felt right. The story they’re telling is exciting, and shooting in Western Australia is a stunning bonus. It’s the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come around often.”
Peacocke originally played Brax, the brooding but fiercely loyal leader of the infamous River Boys gang. Despite his criminal ties, Brax’s vulnerability and deep love for Ricky turned him into one of the show’s most complex and admired characters. His departure in 2016, alongside Ricky, marked the end of an era.
His on-screen partner Bonnie Sveen, 36, also expressed excitement and surprise at returning to the role of Ricky. “I honestly never thought I’d be asked to bring Ricky back,” she said. “It’s been such a joy reconnecting with Steve and seeing familiar faces from the Home and Away family. Revisiting these characters and discovering where they’ve ended up a decade later is going to be incredibly special—for us as actors and, hopefully, for the audience too.”
Sveen joined the cast in 2013 and quickly became a fan favorite, portraying Ricky as both strong and emotionally grounded. The chemistry between Ricky and Brax was undeniable and drove some of the show’s most memorable moments, from passionate reunions to heartbreaking farewells. Their shared journey—through trauma, family upheaval, and the constant threat of danger—cemented them as a power couple in the Home and Away universe.
Though the full plot of the upcoming episodes remains under tight wraps, producers have hinted that this isn’t just a nostalgic cameo. Instead, it’s a fully developed storyline that delves deep into the couple’s life post-Summer Bay. Questions abound: Have Brax and Ricky managed to build a quiet, peaceful life together? Are they still on the run? Did they start a family? Or are old enemies from their past ready to resurface just as they thought they had found peace?
Filming is slated to begin in October 2025, with the episodes expected to hit screens on Channel 5 in early 2026. The decision to film in Western Australia has not only given the show a new visual landscape but also allowed the writers to craft a storyline that feels fresh and cinematic—one that moves beyond the confines of Summer Bay while staying true to the emotional core of the series.
In many ways, the return of Brax and Ricky signals more than just a reunion—it’s a celebration of Home and Away’s enduring legacy. As the soap approaches its fourth decade on air, it’s clear that the producers are eager to blend nostalgia with innovation, giving fans a reason to stay emotionally invested in the show’s future.
Social media has already started buzzing with speculation and excitement as word of the return spreads. Long-time viewers are expressing hope that the episodes will provide closure—or perhaps even a new beginning—for two of Home and Away’s most beloved characters. Others are wondering if the show might use this as a springboard to bring back other iconic faces or even spin off new stories in a different setting.
One thing is certain: the return of Brax and Ricky is not just a ratings stunt. It’s a meaningful continuation of a story that never truly felt over. The writers are taking their time to do justice to these characters, ensuring their journey feels authentic and emotionally resonant after so many years.
For fans who’ve followed Home and Away since its early days—or who fell in love with Brax and Ricky during the height of their storyline—2026 is shaping up to be a must-watch year. With sweeping landscapes, emotionally rich storytelling, and the return of one of the show’s most compelling love stories, these special episodes are poised to become a milestone in Home and Away’s long and storied history.
Stay tuned—because Brax and Ricky are coming home… in their own way.
