Home and Away star Joshua Orpin has opened up about his character Rory Templeton’s unexpected departure from the soap. Rory, the River Boy who joined the show as part of Mali Hudson and his brother Iluka’s storyline, quickly became embroiled in the drama surrounding the dangerous Allen family.

Rory’s arrival in Summer Bay came after Iluka was brutally attacked and hospitalized by the Allen family for stealing money. To confront the threat, Mali arranged a meeting with the family and called on his old friend, Dean Thompson, for help. Soon, Rory and fellow River Boy David ‘Dingo’ Lewis joined forces to back Mali up.

However, Orpin’s time on the show has come to an end. On Instagram, he confirmed Rory’s fate, writing: “Tonight we say goodbye to Rory as he departs Summer Bay for greener pastures… And by greener pastures, I mean the oppressive concrete pastures of a tiny prison cell. I’d be lying if I said he doesn’t entirely deserve it! Nonetheless, I hope you’ve enjoyed having him around these past few weeks.”

Orpin expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, calling it “an utter privilege” to be part of the show. He praised the soap’s talented cast and crew, noting, “What an honour to make my own small contribution to the storied legacy of this iconic Australian TV series.”

While Rory’s story has concluded, Orpin teased that viewers may not have seen the last of the River Boys in Summer Bay, hinting at their possible return.

In the latest episodes, Rory’s fate takes a darker turn after Dingo’s arrest for the murder of police officer Franklin McGrath. Rory rushes to the station to make his own statement, leaving Felicity Newman questioning his true nature. UK viewers will catch Rory’s storyline starting next week.