Tragic Loss: Beloved Home and Away Star Passes Away Suddenly

The cast and crew of Home and Away are in mourning after the death of a beloved long-time member of the show’s extended family-  Buddy the dog.

Buddy, the bobtail boxer who charmed audiences after first arriving in Summer Bay with Justin Morgan (played by James Stewart) in 2016, remained a constant presence on the show for several years.

A loyal companion to the Morgan siblings, Buddy regularly appeared in scenes alongside Justin, Brody (Jackson Heywood), Mason (Orpheus Pledger) and Tori (Penny McNamee), quickly becoming a fan favourite.

On Monday, Buddy’s owner Shelley confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media, sharing a sweet photo of the pooch and reflecting on their years together.

“I have lost my Buddy. We did so many fun things together over the years,” she wrote.

“His time on @homeandaway was definitely the highlight for him and me. He loved going more than anything.”

Shelley added that the pair had planned “a final trip to the beach” but sadly, Buddy “just didn’t make it”.

“He left peacefully at home in his bed while I held him. I have lost a big piece of my heart.”

Stewart, 49, led tributes from castmates, posting:  “R.I.P beautiful Buddy.

“You were my side kick in so many scenes… an incredible scene partner… always knew your lines… always hit your mark… and you could sniff out chicken wherever it was! I love ya mate.”

Veteran actress Lynne McGranger, who plays Irene Roberts, commented: “Oh I am so sorry to read this. Beautiful Buddy”, while Sophie Dillman added:
“Sending you so much love. The goodest boy ever.”

Before his time on the long-running soap, Buddy had appeared in several TV commercials and, according to Stewart, treated the Home and Away cast like his own family.

In a 2018 interview with New Idea, the actor said: “Buddy always knows his lines, always knows his cues” and “recognises and loves the Morgan family as if they were part of his own family in real life.”

Last year, fans noticed Buddy’s absence from the show, with some questioning his whereabouts on social media.

“What happened to Buddy? Never see him anymore,” wrote one fan on Facebook.

Another commented: “I love Home and Away but they need to get back to the old show with the kids and school and bring Buddy back too, make it more of a family show again.”

It remains unclear whether Buddy’s declining health or budget constraints at Channel Seven contributed to his departure from the series.

Buddy was 11 years old.

The cast and crew of Home and Away are in mourning after the death of a beloved long-time member of the show’s extended family-  Buddy the dog. Buddy, the bobtail boxer who charmed audiences after first arriving in Summer Bay with Justin Morgan (played by James Stewart) in 2016, remained a constant presence on the…