Home and Away star Stephanie Panozzo devastated after co-star Angelina Thomson’s surprise exit.

Home and Away: Stephanie Panozzo Devastated After Co-Star Angelina Thomson’s Surprise Exit

Fans of Home and Away were stunned to learn of the sudden departure of Angelina Thomson, who played the beloved Kirby Aramoana. But no one seemed more affected than her co-star and on-screen best friend, Stephanie Panozzo. The actress, who portrays Eden Fowler, shared a deeply emotional reaction to Angelina’s unexpected exit from the long-running Australian soap.

An On-Screen Friendship That Became Real

Stephanie and Angelina’s characters formed a close friendship in the series through their involvement in the band Lyrik and numerous shared storylines. But what fans saw on-screen was only part of the story. According to Stephanie, their connection behind the scenes was just as real.

In a heartfelt social media post following Angelina’s final episode, Stephanie described her co-star as a “beautiful soul” and expressed how difficult it was to say goodbye. She wrote that playing Eden alongside Kirby had been one of the most fulfilling experiences of her career, and she praised Angelina’s warmth, talent, and generosity as a performer and friend.

A Storyline That Reflected Real Emotion

Kirby’s departure was written into the show through a powerful storyline involving activism and personal empowerment. After taking a stand against the manipulation of her image by a music company, Kirby decided to leave both the band and Summer Bay behind to follow her own path. The emotional weight of the storyline added depth to the farewell, not just for the viewers, but for the actors themselves.

Angelina Thomson reportedly found the script for her exit incredibly moving. According to cast interviews, she became emotional while reading her final scenes, particularly those that showed conflict and eventual reconciliation between Kirby and her friends Eden and Remi. The character’s goodbye was written to feel honest and empowering, mirroring Angelina’s own decision to step away from the show.

A New Stage for Angelina Thomson

Angelina’s departure was not due to storyline necessity, but rather her own choice to pursue new creative opportunities. The actress has returned to her first love, musical theatre, and is preparing for a lead role in an upcoming stage production. Her transition has been supported by both fans and fellow cast members, who have expressed admiration for her bold move and excitement for what lies ahead.

What’s Next for Stephanie Panozzo’s Character

With Kirby gone, Eden Fowler is now facing a future in Summer Bay without her closest companion. This shift opens the door to new possibilities for Eden’s character, both emotionally and professionally. Whether the writers will focus on her music career, deepen existing relationships, or explore a more personal transformation remains to be seen, but fans are already speculating about what lies ahead.

Stephanie’s emotional response to Angelina’s departure serves as a reminder of the real bonds that form between cast members on long-running shows like Home and Away. It’s clear that Kirby and Eden’s friendship left a lasting impression on viewers — and an even deeper one on the actors who brought them to life.

Home and Away: Stephanie Panozzo Devastated After Co-Star Angelina Thomson’s Surprise Exit Fans of Home and Away were stunned to learn of the sudden departure of Angelina Thomson, who played the beloved Kirby Aramoana. But no one seemed more affected than her co-star and on-screen best friend, Stephanie Panozzo. The actress, who portrays Eden Fowler,…