In a tearful and emotionally raw Instagram message, Stephanie Panozzo, who plays Eden Fowler on Home and Away, has confessed she’s “in denial” following the sudden departure of her beloved on-screen and off-screen best friend, Angelina Thomson—aka Kirby Aramoana. The heartfelt farewell, brimming with gratitude and grief, offers fans a glimpse into the profound bond these two actresses forged both in Summer Bay and beyond.

A Farewell Long Overdue

“Pushing the goodbye as long as I could,” Stephanie began, her words heavy with sorrow and disbelief. “I think I’m in denial. My beautiful Angie girl said goodbye to the shores of Summer Bay last week on our screens and I couldn’t be more sad… but also more grateful to have walked, sung and danced this journey with her.”

The message was accompanied by behind‑the‑scenes photos of the pair filming together—moments of laughter, shared emotion, and the women’s unmistakable chemistry shining through. “I am truly so grateful for having met you!” Panozzo continued. She lauded Angelina as “an incredible person… a fiercely intelligent, powerhouse force.” It’s clear this goodbye wasn’t just about Kirby’s departure—it was about losing a lasting real‑life friendship born under Summer Bay’s sun. (Digital Spy)

From Comic Relief to Social Justice Campaigners

Kirby’s exit wasn’t a surface‑level storyline—it was tied to a gripping social justice arc that saw her character team up with Eden to challenge a modeling agency over unrealistic beauty standards. When an ad campaign digitally altered Kirby’s body and skin tone, the duo led a protest that culminated in a formal apology from the agency and a major step forward in Kirby’s personal journey.

This storyline resonated deeply with viewers who admired the show for tackling body image issues head-on. It also served as a coming-of-age moment for Kirby, allowing the character—and Angelina—to break free with a renewed sense of purpose, closure, and the promise of a new path. (Digital Spy)

 Bonded by Music, Strengthened by Story

Since debuting with the fictional band Lyrik in July 2022, Eden and Kirby’s on-screen relationship has captivated audiences. Introduced as childhood friends and newcomers to Summer Bay, the pair quickly became fan favorites thanks to their electric dynamic and deep camaraderie. Stephanie has described Eden as a “wild child” who “wears her heart on her sleeve”—a spirit beautifully complemented by Kirby’s grounded, soulful energy. (Wikipedia)

Their bond transcended typical soap‑opera tropes. Whether performing together at Salt bar’s relaunch, supporting each other through personal dilemmas, or collaborating on community activism, the duo exuded authenticity. Their scenes felt spontaneous, genuine—like two real friends who were simply acting, rather than two actors catching cues.

 Goodbye, Kirby — Hello, Angie

Stephanie’s Instagram post included a poignant affirmation: “Eden and Kirby will forever live in my heart and I truly believe that this friendship transcended on‑screen because it was [our] love, joy and happiness behind it.” Her words reveal a poignant truth: their sisterhood wasn’t crafted; it was real.

Angelina responded in kind, posting:

“THIS IS TOO MUCH!!! I love you so so much my Stephy girl!!! I literally couldn’t have done it without you!!” (Digital Spy)

Her statement paints a picture of two young actresses who not only shared dramatised friendship—they lived it.

 From Kirby’s Exit to Musical Theatre

Angelina’s departure from Home and Away follows her January 2025 announcement that she’d be returning to musical theatre—taking a lead role in a revival of Guys & Dolls. Stepping away from Eden and the shores of Summer Bay was clearly bittersweet, given her heartfelt nod to Stephanie and the show’s cast. (Digital Spy)

But Stephanie made sure to send her off with applause: “Go shine bright beauty, the world is so damn lucky to witness your magnificence.” And as Kirby exits, fans are left to reflect on the growth both characters experienced—and how their onscreen activism reverberated offscreen.

 What’s Next for Eden Fowler?

Despite losing her on‑screen bestie, Eden remains firmly rooted in Summer Bay. Since her introduction, she’s navigated numerous dramatic arcs: from a passionate romance with Cash Newman to being kidnapped in a high‑stakes season finale, and reuniting with her estranged brother Levi (Tristan Gorey). (Digital Spy, Wikipedia) Her character continues to evolve, balancing loyalty, resilience, and vulnerability—qualities that carry Eden forward, even as Kirby departs.

Stephanie’s own career continues to bloom. Educated at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and seasoned through roles in Hyde & Seek and The Newsreader, the actress has consistently proven her range. Home and Away has become a powerful platform, showcasing her talents in acting, singing, and emotional depth. (Facebook, Wikipedia)

 A Moment for Fans — and the Future of Home and Away

The digital world has been abuzz. Viewers poured over social media threads, revisiting crowd-pleaser moments between Eden and Kirby—from impromptu street performances to scenes of solidarity and laughter. Many fans are mourning Kirby’s departure as if she were someone they actually knew.

This outpouring shows how effective the storytelling has been. Home and Away has transformed what could’ve been a simple character exit into a reflection on friendship, creative collaboration, and personal growth. No curtain came down without substance—Kirby’s final act underscored empowerment, justice, and the courage to follow a new dream.

 A Final Curtain—but Not an Ending

Stephanie’s final words to Angelina transcend script—they are parting gifts between friends: “Love you forever. Go shine bright beauty…”. For fans, this emotionally charged farewell doubles as a reminder that Home and Away still has fresh stories to tell.

Eden Fowler—badass, passionate, heart-on-her-sleeve—is still fighting, loving, and discovering herself in the Bay. As Stephanie continues to breathe life into her, Home and Away seems ready to embrace new challenges, more activism, romantic entanglements, family strife, and the unexpected. All that’s missing now? Kirby’s light. But as Eden once said: “You only need people for a season.” And this one was unforgettable.

In summary: Stephanie Panozzo’s tearful send‑off for Angelina Thomson isn’t just cast drama—it’s the real‑life echo of Eden and Kirby’s on‑screen sisterhood. Their arc—from musical disruptors to champions of change—left fans in tears, cheering, and reflecting on the power of storytelling. As Kirby departs, Eden stands stronger—and Panozzo’s performance continues to ascend, ensuring Home and Away stays compelling, emotionally rich, and poised for the next wave of drama.