After a whirlwind of love, heartbreak, and cliffhangers, Home and Away is back for its 38th season!
The iconic Australian soap has been a staple of television since 1988, captivating audiences with its blend of sun-soaked drama and relatable characters. As the show returns, fans are buzzing with excitement over the new plot twists and the fresh faces joining the beloved residents of Summer Bay.
With every new year comes the promise of adventure, romance, and a dash of scandal, and this one is no exception, so, what can we expect this season? Let’s dive into the new cast members, the familiar faces we’ll miss, and everything in between.
Who are the new cast members joining Home and Away?
In exciting news for Home and Away fans, many previous fan favourites and new starts are set to be joining the soap in 2025.
Most notably, beloved on-screen and real-life couple Sophie Dillman and Patrick O’Connor have announced they will be returning to Summer Bay two years after their departure. Reprising their roles as Dean Thompson and Ziggy Astoni, Patrick told Seven, “I can’t wait for the action and for fans to see this storyline play out,” with Sophie adding, “It feels so good to be home.”
Also returning to the screen is Home and Away legend Lynne McGranger, who previously departed the show in August 2024 to take part in her theatre production of The Grandparents Club before undergoing thyroid surgery.
Fortunately, the beloved star confirmed to social media that she is back on set to continue her character Irene’s story in Summer Bay.
Alongside returning characters, there are also a number of fresh faces set to join Home and Away in 2025, with the show’s social media confirming that Sophea Pennington and Ryan Bown will be making the move to Summer Bay.
Joining the series as Lacey, a woman who is tied to the notorious River Boys, Sophea shared, “I’m so thrilled to be joining such an iconic show. It has truly been the most exciting experience… Landing this role has been a dream come true, and I cannot wait for what’s to come.”
While the Aussie soap may be Sophea’s first foray into the world of television, fans may recognise Ryan from his recent appearance in the TV adaptation of Dolly Alderton’s viral novel, Everything I Know About Love.
“I’ve been in the UK for the best part of four years, living in London, but I’m from Sydney, born and raised, so this was kind of a chance to come back home and spend some time with my family,” he shared, with the actor now set to appear on screens across Australia as Remi’s old friend, Sonny.
While we don’t yet know too much about how the newcomers will factor into the story, one thing is certain – there will be drama.
Who is leaving Home and Away?
After making their mark on Summer Bay, fans have sadly had to say goodbye to a number of their favourite characters at the end of the 2024 series.
Following three years in the Bay as Felicity Newman, Jacqui Purvis departed the long-running soap after the 37th season.
According to Back to the Bay, it has been rumoured that Luke Van Os, who portrays Xander Delaney, will also not be returning to the franchise, with fans taking his absence from the show’s filming as an indication he did not renew his three-year contract.
The publication also reported that Xander’s on-screen sister Rose Delany, played by Kirsty Marillier, will be leaving the show after fans posted to a Facebook Home and Away Spoilers & Info group that she had been spotted filming driving away from Summer Bay.
