This article contains Home and Away spoilers from scenes that have already aired in Australia but are yet to air in the UK. 

Home and Away star Luke Van Os has confirmed his departure from his role as Xander Delaney.

The character made a seemingly temporary exit on Australian screens last year, when Xander took a job in Melbourne for six weeks.

However, in scenes that have recently aired in Oz, fans learned that Xander has decided not to return to the Summer Bay.

His girlfriend Dana Matheson (Ally Harris) was left heartbroken when he broke up with her, having made his Melbourne move a permanent one.

Luke has since posted a tribute to his three years on Home and Away on social media.

Sharing a highlights reel with behind-the-scenes moments with his castmates on Instagram, he wrote: ‘Where does the time go, thanks for the best 3 years @homeandaway.’

He added: ‘Special thank you to everyone who watched Xander over the last 3 years, your support has never gone unnoticed.’

Many cast past and present left comments, including Tristan Gorey – aka Levi Fowler – who wrote: ‘It’s not the same without you, my friend.’

Matt Evans, who plays Theo Poulos, wrote: ‘Yeah bro such a great time miss you.’

Former star Sam Frost, who played Xander’s sister Jasmine Delaney, said: ‘This is epic. I feel so lucky we got to be real life housemates and on-screen bro and sis. You’re the best! We love you x.’

UK fans will see Xander’s exit play out on Channel 5 in the coming weeks.

Luke is not the only Home and Away actor to announce their departure recently.

Last month, veteran cast member Lynne McGranger revealed she would be leaving her role as Irene Roberts after 32 years in the Bay.

‘It’s bittersweet to be closing the chapter on what has been the best and longest gig of my life,’ she said in a statement.