Summer Bay is bracing for a wave of change as Home and Away welcomes a bold new era in 2025. With a line-up of fresh faces, returning fan favourites, and shocking departures, the long-running Aussie soap is set for one of its most transformative years yet.
Here’s a closer look at the newcomers making waves in Home and Away this year—and what their arrivals mean for the residents of the Bay.
🔥 1. Sonny Baldwin (Played by Ryan Bown)
First hitting screens in February, Sonny is the cheeky and carefree childhood friend of Remi Carter. But beneath the charm lies a rebellious streak that could spell trouble. Played by Ryan Bown, who returns from a stint in the UK, Sonny’s arrival introduces a new dynamic of friendship, temptation, and possibly romance. Fans can expect Sonny to clash with Harper and get caught up in an unexpected connection with Dana.
🌊 2. Lacey Miller (Played by Sophea Pennington)
The River Boys may have retreated, but their legacy continues through Lacey Miller, who storms into town in March. Described as a tough but misunderstood wild child, Lacey is a force of nature. Played by rising star Sophea Pennington, Lacey’s sharp tongue and emotional backstory are already turning heads. Her arrival stirs old rivalries and sets the stage for explosive sibling drama with a surprise relative.
👮♂️ 3. Sergeant David Langham (Played by Jeremy Lindsay Taylor)
The Summer Bay police station gets a shake-up in May with the arrival of Sergeant David Langham. Brought in to oversee the station, Langham is all rules and no nonsense—making him an instant foil to Cash. Played by Sea Patrol alum Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, David brings a no-frills leadership style that is sure to test loyalties and spark tension among the Bay’s residents.
👩👧 4. Jo Langham (Played by Maddison Brown)
Jo, David Langham’s estranged daughter, enters the picture in June—and she’s not here for a peaceful reunion. Played by international actress Maddison Brown, Jo is mysterious, edgy, and on a collision course with her sister Lacey. With unresolved family trauma and a complicated past, Jo’s arrival is set to ignite a fierce sibling rivalry that could divide the Bay.
👩👩👧 5. Debra Fowler (Played by Tammy MacIntosh)
Making her debut in May, Debra is the strong-willed and emotionally complex mother of Eden and Levi. Played by Tammy MacIntosh, Debra’s presence promises to unravel long-held secrets and add new tension to Eden’s already strained relationship with her family. Her role is expected to bring both healing and heartbreak.
🎤 6. Avalon Bracken (Played by Gemma Dart)
Arriving in May, Avalon Bracken is a rising music star with ties to Kirby and Remi. Charismatic and ambitious, Avalon stirs up competition—and maybe something more personal—between the musicians. Her arrival will challenge loyalties and potentially lead one character down a dark path.
🧭 More Newcomers to Watch
Several other fresh faces are making their way to Summer Bay this year:
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Eliza Sherwood (Martha Kate Morgan): A troubled foster teen who made her debut earlier this year.
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Gage Reynolds (Tom Wilson): Another River Boy associate whose presence spells danger.
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Detective Mark Townsend: Expected to arrive later in the year, adding new layers to the town’s crime plots.
👋 Farewells and Surprises
Departing:
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After 33 years, Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) is officially stepping away from the Bay. Her emotional exit is expected to air mid-year, following a brief return post-rehab.
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Xander and Rose Delaney have also exited the show, moving on to chase new dreams.
Returning:
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Fan favourites Dean Thompson and Ziggy Astoni will make a surprise return in a top-secret storyline. Filmed on location in North Queensland, this mini-arc will tie into key character developments later in the year.
📺 What This Means for Home and Away in 2025
This cast shake-up is more than just a refresh—it marks a bold shift in the tone and storytelling of the series. Expect:
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Turbulent romances: with Sonny, Dana, and Harper tangled in an emotional triangle.
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Family feuds: between Jo and Lacey, and the Fowler clan’s fragile dynamic.
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New threats and challenges: from Avalon’s music world intrigue to David Langham’s iron-fisted police methods.
With fresh storylines, emotional reckonings, and new relationships forming (and breaking), Home and Away is positioning itself for a thrilling new chapter in 2025.
📆 Home and Away airs weeknights on Channel 7 and streams on 7Plus in Australia. Don’t miss the drama as Summer Bay welcomes its most dynamic new generation yet.