In true Home and Away fashion, the tides are turning once again in Summer Bay, ushering in a wave of new faces, surprise returns, and a heartbreaking farewell that will leave fans reeling. With 2025 on the horizon, the beloved Australian soap is gearing up for one of its most dramatic seasons yet — complete with new alliances, familial tensions, and secrets that threaten to explode.
A Familiar Face Returns in a New Role
Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, a name long associated with gripping drama on Home and Away, is making his return — but not as the sinister Detective Dylan Carter. This time, he’s stepping into the shoes of an entirely new character: a police sergeant whose presence will shake the foundations of the Bay. As Rose departs to pursue her dream of becoming a detective, Cash finds himself in need of a new ally in blue. Enter Taylor’s new character, already spotted filming with regulars James Stewart (Justin) and Emily Symons (Marilyn), signaling his character’s early integration into Summer Bay life.
The most intriguing twist? It’s believed this yet-unnamed sergeant is the father of new arrival Lacey Miller — currently hiding out in a safe house after betraying her boyfriend, River Boy leader Gage. If true, this connection could unravel a deeply emotional storyline, as a father discovers his daughter’s dangerous entanglement with a criminal gang and faces the realization that his duty to the law may clash with his paternal instincts.
Sibling Drama: Meet Joe
Adding to the Miller family drama is Joe, portrayed by Madison Brown. Footage from filming shows Joe sharing scenes with both Jeremy Lindsay Taylor and Tane (Ethan Browne), sparking fan theories that she may be a potential new love interest for the heartbroken gym owner. But the real bombshell drops when Lacey sees her sister and father together for the first time — and walks away with visible disdain. In a scene crackling with tension, Lacey confronts Joe, accusing her of a betrayal that cuts deep.
Joe and Lacey’s strained relationship will no doubt become a major focus of the 2025 season. Lacey, already in turmoil after turning on her dangerous boyfriend, must now face the resurfacing of old family wounds. Will Joe serve as a stabilizing force, or is she hiding secrets of her own?
Love On and Off Screen: Lacey and Theo
Lacey’s romantic storyline with Theo (Matt Evans) is heating up — both on-screen and off. Confirming long-swirling rumors, Sophia Pennington (Lacey) recently revealed she and Evans are dating in real life, adding a layer of authenticity to their steamy on-screen chemistry. “He really is the best,” she told The Post. “It creates such a safe space for us to dive deep into the story.” Their characters’ love story will likely provide a passionate counterbalance to the surrounding family drama, as the young couple navigates trauma, trust, and the watchful eyes of Summer Bay.
The Musical Mystery: Avalon Bracken
Musician and actress Gemma Dart is stepping into the role of Avalon Bracken. Although little is known about her character’s backstory, Dart was seen filming scenes with Stephanie Panozzo and Ryan Panizza, sparking speculation that Avalon might have ties to the band Lyric. Given Dart’s musical background, fans are eager to see if Avalon will be shaking things up on the Summer Bay music scene — or if she’s here with darker intentions.
Avalon is not entirely new to Home and Away fans. Dart previously appeared in 2022 as Becky, a classmate of Theo’s. This time, however, she’s returning with a new name and a far more central storyline.
A New Beginning for Roo: Another Foster Child
Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) has had her hands full in recent years, particularly with her difficult first foster child, Eliza. But Roo isn’t giving up on giving young people a second chance. A new young boy has been spotted filming multiple scenes with Roo, Alf (Ray Meagher), and Marilyn, suggesting a fresh storyline centered around fostering and family.
This new character appears far more at ease in Summer Bay than his predecessor — bonding with Alf over fishing and sharing heartfelt moments with Roo. But peace may be short-lived, as an older male character, possibly a family member, arrives to complicate matters. Will Roo be forced to fight for custody? Or will she again have to say goodbye?
Another Mystery Unfolds
In mid-April, James Stewart (Justin) was seen filming with a mysterious new character as they walked from the beach together. The unknown figure hasn’t been identified, but with Justin carrying a surfboard, speculation is rife that this may be a new surf student, business partner, or — given Justin’s complicated past — someone with a hidden agenda. Watch this space.
A Fond Farewell: Irene Roberts Says Goodbye
In what may be the most emotional departure in years, Lynn McGranger — who has portrayed Irene Roberts for nearly 33 years — has officially filmed her final scenes. Her farewell episode, expected to air in Australia around August, was shot at the iconic Pier Diner, the heart of so many of Irene’s storylines over the decades.
McGranger shared a heartfelt statement reflecting on her time in Summer Bay: “After almost 33 years in my dream role… it’s bittersweet to be closing the chapter on what has been the best and longest gig of my life.” Fans across generations have watched Irene evolve from a troubled past into a nurturing, steadfast figure in the community, and her departure will leave a massive void in the show’s fabric.
Looking Ahead
With familiar faces returning in new roles, fresh family dynamics, and romances budding both on and off screen, Home and Away is poised to deliver a 2025 season packed with intensity, warmth, and jaw-dropping surprises. As the Bay welcomes its new residents and bids farewell to one of its most iconic characters, fans can expect nothing less than a dramatic reinvention of the show they’ve come to love.
After all, in Summer Bay, nothing stays quiet for long.
