Summer Bay Welcomes New Faces & Bids Farewell to Long-Standing Residents in “Home and Away” 2025

As “Home and Away” continues its 38th season, Summer Bay is experiencing a significant shake-up with a number of new characters making their debuts, while some beloved veterans and recent additions are set to bid farewell. The changes promise fresh dynamics, intriguing mysteries, and plenty of drama for the residents.

New Arrivals in Summer Bay for 2025:

• Detective Mark Townsend (played by Jeremy Lindsay Taylor): Making his debut early in the year (January 13, 2025, in Australia), Detective Townsend is a new police presence in the Bay. Interestingly, Jeremy Lindsay Taylor previously played Detective Dylan Carter in 2016, but this is a new, unconnected role. His arrival is crucial as he’s involved in the investigation surrounding Cash Newman’s storyline.
• Sonny Baldwin (played by Ryan Bown): Introduced on February 17, 2025, Sonny is an old friend of Remi Carter. Described as charming and a “fun-loving” party boy, his impulsive nature is sure to cause trouble. Ryan Bown, who recently moved back to Australia from London, has hinted that Sonny’s loyalty will be tested, exposing more about his background.
• Lacey Miller (played by Sophea Pennington): Arriving on March 13, 2025, Lacey is described as a “wild child” with surprising connections to the infamous River Boys. Her intriguing backstory is set to unfold, and she’s already found herself romantically linked with Theo Poulos. Sophea Pennington has expressed her excitement about joining the iconic show.
• Sergeant David Langham (played by Jeremy Lindsay Taylor): This is the character that Jeremy Lindsay Taylor was more recently announced to play, arriving in May 2025. He takes on the role of Police Sergeant at Yabbie Creek Police Station. David is described as a “straight-talking, by-the-book cop.” He arrives with his daughter Jo (Maddison Brown), set to debut in June 2025, and soon discovers his estranged daughter Lacey is also in the Bay, adding a complex family dynamic.
• Debra Fowler (played by Tammy MacIntosh): Eden and Levi Fowler’s mother, Debra, made her appearance in May 2025, adding another layer to the already complicated Fowler family dynamics.
• Avalon Bracken (played by Gemma Dart): A singer who is set to watch Kirby Aramoana’s recording session, potentially causing a distraction. She introduces herself to Kirby’s producer, Remi Carter, and is set to record her second album next door.
• Archie (played by various babies): Harper Matheson and Tane Parata’s son, born after Harper underwent complex surgery to save him in utero.

Notable Departures from Summer Bay in 2025:

• Irene Roberts (played by Lynne McGranger): In what will be one of the most significant departures in the show’s history, Lynne McGranger, who has portrayed the beloved Irene for nearly 33 years, is set to leave Summer Bay in 2025. She wrapped up filming in March 2025. Lynne has confirmed a “terrific storyline” will see Irene exit, though details remain under wraps.
• Rose Delaney (played by Kirsty Marillier): Rose has already departed Summer Bay to pursue her dream of becoming a detective. Her exit occurred earlier in 2025.
• Xander Delaney (played by Luke Van Os): Xander’s departure from the Bay for a work experience placement in Melbourne signaled his exit, although he was originally meant to return, actor Luke Van Os has not been seen filming in recent months, suggesting his role has concluded.

Surprising Returns:

• Dean Thompson (played by Patrick O’Connor) & Ziggy Astoni (played by Sophie Dillman): Fans were thrilled to hear that the beloved couple, who departed in 2023, would be making a special return in 2025. Their scenes were filmed in North Queensland for a “top-secret storyline.”

Summer Bay continues to be a hub of activity, ensuring that viewers will have plenty of new faces to get to know and familiar ones to bid farewell as the year progresses.

As “Home and Away” continues its 38th season, Summer Bay is experiencing a significant shake-up with a number of new characters making their debuts, while some beloved veterans and recent additions are set to bid farewell. The changes promise fresh dynamics, intriguing mysteries, and plenty of drama for the residents. New Arrivals in Summer Bay…