Home and Away fans are truly eagle-eyed, and combined with official announcements and leaked set photos:

Major Returns & Departures

• Dean Thompson (Patrick O’Connor) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman) are BACK! This is huge news for fans of the popular couple. They departed in 2023 but are confirmed to make a grand return in early 2025. Interestingly, their storyline won’t see them back in Summer Bay itself, but rather filming scenes in North Queensland, suggesting an off-Bay adventure.
• Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) to Exit: A truly emotional farewell is on the cards as iconic Summer Bay matriarch Irene Roberts is set to leave the show in August 2025, after almost 33 years! Lynne McGranger filmed her final scenes in March 2025. While the specific exit storyline is under wraps, Lynne has teased she had a hand in crafting it.
• Xander Delaney (Luke Van Os) and Rose Delaney (Kirsty Marillier) Departed: Both Xander and Rose have already made their exits in Australian-paced episodes (around March 2025). Rose left for a detective promotion in the city, while Xander reportedly pursued business ambitions in Melbourne.

New Faces & Family Connections

• New Police Sergeant David Langham (Jeremy Lindsay Taylor): With Rose gone, a new police sergeant is in town. Played by Jeremy Lindsay Taylor (who previously played corrupt detective Dylan Carter), Sergeant David Langham is a strict new boss for Cash and has a deep, dark secret: he’s the estranged father of recent arrival Lacey Miller (Sophea Pennington)! Lacey is not happy to see him.
• Lacey Miller (Sophea Pennington) and Sonny Baldwin (Ryan Bown): These two new characters arrived in early 2025. Lacey has ties to the River Boys and has been involved with their leader, Gage. Sonny is an old childhood friend of Remi Carter.
• Jo Langham (Maddison Brown): Another new arrival, Jo is Lacey’s sister and David Langham’s other daughter. Her arrival is not a “happy family reunion” and promises significant drama due to a “fractured, complicated relationship” with her family. There’s also speculation she might be a new love interest for Tane after his recent relationship turmoil.
• Eliza Sherwood (Martha Kate Morgan): This new character arrived in February 2025 and proved to be trouble, causing issues for Marilyn and withholding Alf’s heart medication during a crisis. She was eventually sent away for psychiatric help.
• Archie (various babies): Harper Matheson and Tane Parata’s son, Archie, has been born in 2025 episodes.
• Debra Fowler (Tammy MacIntosh): Eden, Levi, and Abigail Fowler’s mother is set to arrive in Summer Bay.
• New Foster Child for Roo?: Despite her struggles with Eliza, it’s rumored Roo will take on another foster child, with sightings of Georgie Parker (Roo) filming with a new young male actor.

Major Plotlines & Character Arcs

• Cash Newman’s Legal Troubles & New Boss: Cash was in deep trouble at the end of 2024 after an altercation with Tim Russell. Detective Mark Townsend (Craig Hall) was brought in to investigate him. Cash will be navigating the fallout and also dealing with his new strict boss, Sergeant David Langham. Fans have spotted Cash still in his police uniform, suggesting he may avoid jail.
• Harper & Tane’s Baby Drama: Harper and Tane’s unborn baby, Archie, faced a serious health scare requiring surgery. Harper later gives birth but calls off her wedding to Tane, deciding to raise their baby alone. Tane is still desperate to support Harper and Archie.
• Theo and Lacey’s Relationship & River Boy Revenge: Theo and Lacey have become romantically involved, leading to major trouble with Lacey’s River Boy boyfriend, Gage. Theo was brutally crushed by Gage in revenge for their affair and is in critical condition. Lacey eventually betrays Gage to the police, seeking protection.
• Mackenzie’s Baby Hopes: Mackenzie has been actively trying to conceive with Levi but has faced disappointment with negative pregnancy tests. Levi is trying to stay optimistic.
• Mali and Abigail’s Relationship: Mali and Abigail are moving in together, but tensions arise as Abigail criticizes Mali’s handling of Kirby’s situation.
• Alf in Danger: Eliza posed a significant threat to Alf, even withholding his heart medication during a medical emergency.
• Kirby’s Music Career & Legal Battles: Kirby has been fighting to get her songs back from her former manager, Forrest. Justin is involved in helping her. New character Avalon Bracken will also cause issues for Kirby.

Other Noteworthy Details

• The original opening titles and theme song will return in 2025, though not in every episode.
• Filming continues around Palm Beach, with eagle-eyed fans consistently spotting cast members and new storylines unfolding.

It looks like 2025 is set to be another action-packed and emotional year in Summer Bay!

Major Returns & Departures Dean Thompson (Patrick O’Connor) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman) are BACK! This is huge news for fans of the popular couple. They departed in 2023 but are confirmed to make a grand return in early 2025. Interestingly, their storyline won’t see them back in Summer Bay itself, but rather filming scenes…