In a deeply moving farewell set to air on UK screens next week, Home and Away will officially bid adieu to Rose Delaney—a character who has captured hearts and commanded screens for the past three years. Played with remarkable nuance and charm by Kirsty Marillier, Rose’s exit marks the end of a significant chapter for Summer Bay. Her departure will unfold in an emotional, reflective sequence that highlights her growth, honors her relationships, and sets the stage for an exciting new beginning.

A Long Goodbye Begins

Rose’s departure airs in the UK on Tuesday, May 13th on Channel 5, offering viewers one last chance to share in her journey. The storyline kicks off with a low-key but poignant gathering as Rose’s closest friends—Kirby and Bree—treat her to a special lunch. It’s a gesture not only of friendship but of admiration for the woman Rose has become during her tenure in Summer Bay.

This lunch scene is more than just a goodbye—it’s a celebration of resilience, growth, and ambition. Having landed a new position as a detective in the city, Rose is leaving behind the small coastal town she has come to love for a career move that reflects both her skill and her fierce independence.

Past Meets Present: A Walk Down Memory Lane

One of the most touching moments in Rose’s farewell comes when her ex-boyfriend Mali Hudson surprises her at the police station. What begins as a simple farewell becomes a stroll through shared memories as the pair walk the beach—one last, intimate moment between two people who once dreamed of a future together.

Mali, who has evolved significantly since their breakup, opens up about what he’s learned since they parted ways. Though Rose pushes him to admit whether he’s fallen for Abigail, Mali remains coy, throwing in a playful quip: “I don’t give information to cops.” It’s a light-hearted yet bittersweet interaction, full of unspoken emotions and mutual respect.

Their farewell is a mature and gentle closure to a once-turbulent relationship. No drama, no regrets—just two people acknowledging the impact they’ve had on each other’s lives, and moving forward.

Passing the Torch

The emotional weight continues to build later that evening as Rose heads to the Yabbie Creek Police Station for one final duty: officially handing over her role to fellow officer Cash Newman. The gravity of the moment is not lost on either of them. What could easily have been a routine procedural handover becomes a significant symbolic act. Rose isn’t just stepping down—she’s entrusting the community’s safety and well-being to someone she respects deeply.

For Cash, it’s a challenge and an honor; for Rose, it’s a moment of pride and quiet resolve. Their exchange is heartfelt and sincere, and it highlights the respect and camaraderie that has defined their working relationship over the years.

The Final Send-Off

As Rose prepares to leave Summer Bay for good, she’s met with one last surprise—a warm send-off from the people who have become her family. Irene, Bree, Kirby, and Remi appear with sweet treats and wide smiles, determined to see her off with love and laughter instead of tears.

This farewell is both celebratory and tear-jerking. These are characters who have stood by her through heartbreaks, career crises, and life-changing decisions. Their presence in this final moment underscores the deep emotional ties Rose has forged in her time at the Bay. And when she finally drives off into the night, there’s a sense of hope rather than finality—a door left open, as it often is in Home and Away, for a possible return someday.

Behind the Scenes: A Star’s Rising Journey

Though viewers may be saddened by Rose’s exit, the writing has been on the wall for some time. Kirsty Marillier’s departure was first speculated back in September, when eagle-eyed fans noticed the actress had signed on to two high-profile theatre productions. The first, a revival of Picnic at Hanging Rock, ran from February through April to critical acclaim. Her second, an original play titled Destiny—which she both wrote and stars in—will hit stages later this August through September.

Marillier’s decision to leave Home and Away after a three-year run is clearly part of a broader artistic journey. Her transition from television to stage is not just a career pivot—it’s a leap into deeper creative waters. And based on the critical buzz surrounding her theatre work, it’s a leap that is paying off.

A Character That Left Her Mark

Rose Delaney wasn’t just another officer in uniform—she was a character who brought heart, intelligence, and moral complexity to the forefront. She wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo, whether that meant questioning her superiors or standing up for victims when no one else would. Over three years, audiences watched her transform from an outsider trying to find her place into a vital, respected figure in the Bay’s close-knit community.

Her journey was marked by courage, vulnerability, and personal growth—qualities that made her one of the show’s most dynamic female leads in recent years. From tackling tough criminal cases to navigating complicated love lives, Rose always did so with integrity and strength.

What Her Exit Means for Summer Bay

Rose’s departure leaves a notable void in Summer Bay—not just within the police force, but in the social fabric of the town. Her connections to Bree, Kirby, Remi, and especially Cash, will now evolve without her steady presence. While Cash steps up to fill her role professionally, the emotional ripple effect of her absence is something that may linger.

Will the Bay’s law enforcement find stability without her? How will her friends cope with the loss of a trusted confidante? These are the questions Home and Away fans will ponder in the episodes to come.

Final Thoughts

Home and Away has always been known for its emotional goodbyes, but Rose Delaney’s exit feels particularly significant. It is not just the conclusion of a character’s arc—it’s a graduation of sorts, a character stepping into a new phase of life with grace, strength, and purpose.

As the final scene fades and Rose drives out of Summer Bay, there is no dramatic cliffhanger, no tragic twist. Instead, there’s a sense of peace—a fitting conclusion for a character who stood as a pillar of reason and compassion through stormy seas.

Fans may have to say goodbye for now, but Rose Delaney’s legacy will live on in the friendships she fostered and the integrity she brought to every storyline.