Summer Bay is bracing for one of its most harrowing weeks in recent memory, as Abigail, played by rising fan-favourite Hailey Pinto, is pushed to the edge in a shock near-death storyline that promises to leave viewers reeling. After months of emotional turbulence, buried secrets and a slow-building sense of unease, the drama finally explodes — and Abigail’s life hangs in the balance.

The crisis begins innocently enough. Abigail, desperate to rebuild her life and prove her independence after a string of personal missteps, takes on a demanding task she’s clearly not ready for. Determined to show everyone — and perhaps herself — that she’s stronger than her past suggests, she heads off alone, refusing offers of help. But in classic Home and Away fashion, one wrong step turns an ordinary day into a nightmare.

Sources on set hint that Abigail’s ordeal unfolds across a heart-stopping two-episode arc, culminating in a dramatic rescue sequence the cast has described as “intense,” “emotionally brutal,” and “one of the most challenging shoots of the season.” Viewers will watch in horror as Abigail becomes trapped in a remote, unstable location after a sudden accident leaves her critically injured and unable to call for help. As hours tick by, her condition rapidly deteriorates — and her fate becomes frighteningly uncertain.

Back in Summer Bay, concern grows quickly when Abigail fails to return home. Friends initially assume she’s simply seeking space, but unease turns to full-blown panic when someone spots signs that she could be in serious danger. A frantic search ensues, pulling multiple characters into the crisis — including one surprising figure from Abigail’s past who steps up in a way no one expects.

Insiders reveal that Hailey Pinto delivers a stand-out performance, portraying Abigail’s fear, resilience and vulnerability with raw authenticity. It’s said to be her most gripping work to date, marking a major turning point for her character and potentially reshaping her future in Summer Bay.

Expect emotional fallout on all fronts. One character reportedly blames themselves so deeply that it impacts their relationships for weeks to come. Another makes a choice during the rescue effort that could redefine their role in the Bay altogether. The storyline not only tests Abigail’s strength but exposes cracks within the community, bringing long-simmering tensions to the surface.

Producers have kept quiet about whether Abigail makes a full recovery, only teasing that the aftermath will be “huge” and that her brush with death forces several characters to confront uncomfortable truths. What is certain, though, is that this pivotal moment launches a fresh chapter, filled with new alliances, unexpected rivalries and emotional revelations.

With stakes this high and the future this uncertain, fans should prepare themselves — because Summer Bay is about to be shaken to its core.