Home and Away reveals Levi’s new nemesis as three characters return to Summer Bay

Next week on Home and Away, Levi Fowler’s fresh start with Mackenzie Booth is thrown into chaos when he faces a harsh reckoning from her family. After months of building a new life together, Levi’s past mistakes come roaring back to the surface as Mackenzie’s brother Dean Thompson, his partner Ziggy Astoni, and Dean’s outspoken mother Karen Thompson all return for a dramatic guest appearance.

Levi, eager to solidify his future with Mackenzie now that his divorce is finalized, suggests a holiday to North Queensland. His intention is pure: to mark the beginning of a clean slate and finally meet Dean, the all-important brother he has yet to face. Mackenzie, however, is understandably apprehensive. She knows Dean’s fierce loyalty and moral compass won’t make for an easy introduction — especially considering how her relationship with Levi began in scandal, while he was still a married man.

A source from Home and Away confirms the tension brewing ahead of the encounter: “Dean left Summer Bay a few months before Levi arrived, so they still haven’t met. Mac is still in touch with Dean and she knows that he isn’t impressed over how her new relationship started with a scandalous affair last year.”

Choosing spontaneity over strategy, Mackenzie and Levi decide to surprise Dean and Ziggy by showing up unannounced at their home. While Dean is clearly thrilled to see his sister again, his demeanor instantly shifts when he realizes who she’s brought with her. Gone is the welcoming brother; in his place stands a furious protector, demanding an explanation from Levi right there on the doorstep.

Rather than easing into things, Dean immediately calls Levi out for his past behavior, making it clear he hasn’t forgiven — or forgotten — the circumstances that brought Levi and Mackenzie together. Dean’s mistrust isn’t just about family pride; it’s deeply personal. Having watched Mackenzie suffer heartbreak before, and knowing firsthand the devastation caused by betrayal, he refuses to let Levi off the hook easily.

If Dean’s reception wasn’t frosty enough, Karen Thompson soon enters the fray. Never one to shy away from confrontation, Karen presses for all the scandalous details about how Levi’s ex-wife discovered the affair. Her nosiness only adds to the palpable discomfort, with Mackenzie left cringing as her family puts Levi through a gauntlet of judgment.

“Mackenzie is mortified by Dean’s behaviour,” the Home and Away insider reveals. “She knew that he was unhappy but this is worse than she’d expected.”

Amid the chaos, Ziggy emerges as the unexpected voice of reason. Despite her own history with infidelity — having been cheated on in the past — Ziggy is willing to give Levi the benefit of the doubt. She recognizes that people can change and seems open to at least seeing if Levi is truly committed to Mackenzie.

Dean, however, remains steadfast in his disdain. His protective instincts won’t allow him to trust someone he sees as morally compromised, and no amount of smooth talking from Levi is likely to sway him quickly. Karen’s relentless probing and mischievous interjections only make matters worse, turning what was supposed to be a healing trip into a holiday nightmare.

As the first day of their trip ends, Mackenzie and Levi are left deflated. Their dream of building bridges with Dean seems farther away than ever, and Levi begins to question whether it’s even possible to earn Dean’s respect — or if they’re doomed to coexist in frosty silence.

The situation leaves Mackenzie caught between two worlds: the man she wants to build a future with and the brother who has always had her back. She must now decide how much her relationship with Levi is worth fighting for — and whether she can ask Dean to put aside his principles for the sake of her happiness.

With tensions this high and family loyalties on the line, next week’s Home and Away promises plenty of fireworks. Will Levi manage to redeem himself in Dean’s eyes, or will his past always define him in the Thompson family’s judgmental gaze?

One thing is certain: for Mackenzie and Levi, happily ever after is going to take a lot more work than they thought.

Home and Away‘s Levi Fowler is called out for being a love rat next week as he meets Mackenzie Booth’s extended family for the first time.

Levi’s past comes back to haunt him as Dean Thompson, Ziggy Astoni and Karen Thompson all return for guest appearances.

It’s Levi’s idea to visit North Queensland for a holiday with Mackenzie, wanting to mark the beginning of a new chapter now that his divorce has been finalised.

Levi suggests that he could meet Dean during the trip, which leaves Mackenzie fearful as she knows that it won’t be smooth sailing with her outspoken brother.

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“Dean left Summer Bay a few months before Levi arrived, so they still haven’t met,” our Home and Away source reminds us.

“Mac is still in touch with Dean and she knows that he isn’t impressed over how her new relationship started with a scandalous affair last year.”

Levi and Mackenzie decide to surprise Dean and Ziggy by showing up at their home without any warning.

Dean is delighted to see Mackenzie, but he’s far from friendly towards her new man. Rather than offering a warm greeting, he orders Levi to explain himself for pursuing his sister when he was a married man.

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Dean’s mum Karen also weighs in, wanting all the juicy details of how Levi’s betrayed wife ultimately found out.

“Mackenzie is mortified by Dean’s behaviour. She knew that he was unhappy but this is worse than she’d expected,” our insider adds.

“Ziggy is willing to give Levi a chance, even though she hates affairs after being cheated on herself a few years ago, but Dean refuses to budge and Karen doesn’t help matters either.”

Mackenzie and Levi end the first day of their holiday feeling like they’ve made no progress with Dean. Will Levi have to give up and accept that they’ll never be friends?

Home and Away airs these scenes on Monday 5 May on Channel 5.

Next week on Home and Away, Levi Fowler’s fresh start with Mackenzie Booth is thrown into chaos when he faces a harsh reckoning from her family. After months of building a new life together, Levi’s past mistakes come roaring back to the surface as Mackenzie’s brother Dean Thompson, his partner Ziggy Astoni, and Dean’s outspoken mother…