🎬 Brax & Ricky Are Back! First Look at Home and Away’s Explosive 2026 WA Storyline 🌅
After nearly a decade away from the sun-drenched sands of Summer Bay, two of Home and Away’s most iconic characters are making a thunderous return — and this time, it’s not just a fleeting cameo. Dramatic new scenes are being filmed across the vast and rugged beauty of Western Australia, and fans are already buzzing as the first behind-the-scenes photos emerge of Daryl “Brax” Braxton (Stephen Peacocke) and Ricky Sharpe (Bonnie Sveen) back in action.
But that’s not all — current fan-favourite Tane Parata (Ethan Browne) has been spotted on set alongside the returning power couple, confirming his involvement in what’s being described as a landmark, high-stakes storyline that promises emotional reunions, gritty drama, and a deep dive into Home and Away’s legendary River Boys past.
A Bold New Chapter in the West
In what producers are calling an “ambitious” and “event-defining” arc, Home and Away has ventured into uncharted territory, filming in Western Australia for the very first time. These special episodes — set to air in early 2026 — will span across the vibrant urban landscape of Perth and the raw, cinematic wilderness of WA’s red outback, offering a visually breathtaking backdrop to the unfolding drama.
This major storyline reunites audiences with Brax and Ricky for the first time since their departure in 2016, exploring what life has dealt them in the years since they left Summer Bay behind. While the exact reason for their return remains tightly under wraps, one thing is clear: they haven’t come back for a quiet reunion.
First Set Photos: Brax, Ricky & Tane Spotted in Perth
Speculation around the storyline ignited after Home and Away’s head of makeup, Laura Vazquez, dropped a cryptic post on Instagram: a photo of a plane captioned simply “Perthbound.” Soon after, she followed up with more photos tagged “Team Makeup WA” and “Perth Day One Done” — a quiet confirmation that filming had commenced in the Golden State.
In the days that followed, fans in Perth began spotting the cast and crew in key city locations. A photo taken by local fan Hannah and shared to the Home and Away Spoilers & Info Facebook group showed Stephen Peacocke and Ethan Browne deep in conversation with an assistant director between takes. Another fan, Diane Head, managed a snap with both actors filming outside Perth’s iconic Bell Tower. The pair were also seen near Elizabeth Quay, where Instagram user Glennise Marsden shared a series of candid shots capturing the production in motion.
What Brings Tane Into the Brax & Ricky Fold?
Tane’s presence in this storyline has raised eyebrows, particularly given his limited connection to the River Boys in past episodes. However, eagle-eyed fans will recall a fleeting but crucial moment in 2021, when Tane crossed paths with Heath Braxton, Brax’s brother, during a storyline involving a dangerous drug gang and a high-stakes robbery.
Tane and his brother Ari were blackmailed into carrying out an armed heist after a job gone wrong, but their situation spiraled out of control. In a desperate move, Dean Thompson (a former cellmate of Ari’s and a River Boy himself) reached out to the notorious gang. Heath Braxton made a brief but powerful return, leading a squad of River Boys to crash the scene, beat back the gangsters, and “escort” them off their turf in classic River Boy fashion.
Now, with Tane drawn into Brax’s world once again — this time hundreds of kilometers from Summer Bay — many are wondering: is he in trouble again? And are the River Boys back in business?
The Return of Legends
Since their departure, both Stephen Peacocke and Bonnie Sveen have carved out successful careers across film and television. Peacocke, in particular, has taken on roles in acclaimed series such as Five Bedrooms, Wanted, RFDS: Royal Flying Doctor Service, and The Newsreader.
Speaking of his return, Peacocke shared his excitement:
“I’ll always be grateful to Home and Away for being the launchpad to my career, and I’ve got a sincere appreciation for the fans who’ve followed my work since. When the producers asked if I’d revisit Brax, it felt like a fun opportunity and one I think the audience will really enjoy. Filming in spectacular Outback Western Australia is the icing on the cake.”
Bonnie Sveen echoed the sentiment, saying:
“Bringing Ricky back wasn’t something I ever expected. So I’m beyond thrilled to reunite with Steve and old friends at Home and Away. Exploring where Ricky and Brax are now, ten years on, will make for a very special and compelling storyline. I can’t wait for our WA filming adventure.”
An Epic Event for Fans
Executive Producer Julie McGauran teased what’s to come, calling the return of Brax and Ricky “an absolute joy.”
“They’ve each left such a mark on Home and Away, both on-screen and behind the scenes. Their return after a decade is sure to make the fans very happy. Questions of what Brax and Ricky’s life is like now — and how things might have changed for them — will be answered. And of course, there are plenty of surprises along the way.”
According to a press release, five episodes of the 2026 season will be set entirely in Western Australia, highlighting everything from Perth’s sleek urban vistas to the untamed, hauntingly beautiful landscapes of the outback. The production team has promised both an emotional payoff for longtime fans and gripping new material for newer viewers.
Adding even more excitement, one lucky UK fan and their guest will be given the opportunity to join the cast on set — a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness the reunion of some of Home and Away’s most beloved characters.
What’s Next for Brax, Ricky & Tane?
While producers are keeping specific plot points under tight lock and key, one thing is certain: this storyline will shake up the Home and Away universe. Will Brax be pulled back into his old criminal past? Has Ricky been hiding something all these years? And what role does Tane really play in this unfolding drama?
All will be revealed when Brax and Ricky return to Home and Away in 2026. Until then, fans can only speculate — and devour every photo, teaser, and whisper from the set in WA.
Stay tuned. The River Boys are back… and it’s going to be wild.