After nearly forty years of sunshine, storms, and stories that defined Australian television, Home and Away is preparing to say its final goodbye. Channel Seven has confirmed that the long-running soap will conclude in 2027, bringing an end to one of the most enduring dramas in TV history.

The announcement, made quietly during an internal production meeting last week, has sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry. For fans, it marks the loss of a cultural institution. For the cast — many of whom have spent decades in Summer Bay — it’s nothing short of heartbreaking.

Ray Meagher, who has played Alf Stewart since the show’s very first episode in 1988, spoke candidly about the end. “It’s been the ride of a lifetime,” he said. “We’ve seen generations grow up with us, fall in love, cry, and laugh along with the Bay. Saying goodbye will be like closing the door on a second home.”

Ada Nicodemou (Leah Patterson-Baker) fought back tears as she shared her feelings on social media:

“This show gave me my family, my lifelong friends, and the best memories of my career. I don’t think we’ll ever see anything like Home and Away again. It’s part of who I am.”

Other cast members, including Emily Symons (Marilyn Chambers) and James Stewart (Justin Morgan), echoed the sentiment, calling the news “bittersweet” and “heart-shattering.”

Behind the decision lies a combination of factors — shifting audience trends, production costs, and the rise of streaming platforms that have changed the way viewers engage with long-form storytelling. Channel Seven executives are reportedly planning a “grand farewell season” to honour the show’s legacy and the millions of fans who have followed it faithfully since its debut.

Rumours suggest that the final year will feature the return of several beloved former cast members — including the likes of Kate Ritchie, Isabel Lucas, and Melissa George — for a spectacular closing arc that celebrates every era of the series.

Industry insiders also hint at a potential documentary and reunion special, capturing behind-the-scenes memories and paying tribute to the crew who brought Summer Bay to life.

Fans across the world have taken to social media to express their emotions. One post read, “It’s like losing a friend we’ve grown up with,” while another simply said, “Home and Away raised us.”

As the countdown begins to 2027, the mood on set is said to be emotional but grateful. Many of the actors plan to stay until the very end, determined to give the show a farewell worthy of its legacy.

“Summer Bay will live on in people’s hearts long after the cameras stop rolling,” said Meagher. “That’s the real magic of Home and Away.”

After nearly forty years on air, can Australian television ever truly fill the void that Home and Away will leave behind?

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Monday, March 3: Dana and Tane check on Harper

Channel 5

Harper has just returned from her scans.

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Monday, March 3: Tane and Harper anxiously wait for news

Channel 5

They’ve been told that their unborn baby’s health could be at risk.

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Monday, March 3: Levi arrives with news

Channel 5

The results of the scans are back.

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Monday, March 3: Levi explains the situation

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The baby has a small cyst on his lungs, which is putting pressure on his other organs.

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Monday, March 3: Harper hears more details

Channel 5

In a worst-case scenario, the issue could cause foetal heart failure.

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Monday, March 3: Tane takes in the news

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Levi explains that in-utero surgery could resolve the issue, but this wouldn’t come without risks.

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Monday, March 3: Tane and Harper have a big decision to make

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They consider their options, but Harper is very reluctant to undergo surgery.

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Monday, March 3: Mackenzie speaks to Levi

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She can tell that he disagrees with Harper’s decision not to have the surgery.

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Friday, March 7: Harper changes her mind

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She returns to the hospital to go ahead with the surgery after all.

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Friday, March 7: Harper hopes she’s doing the right thing

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Levi and Tane have both encouraged her to make this move.

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Friday, March 7: Tane comforts Harper

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The couple try to stay strong and united.

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Friday, March 7: Harper is emotional

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It’s been a difficult few days.

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Friday, March 7: Harper waits to be taken into surgery

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Tane stays by her side.

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Friday, March 7: Dana shows support

She also thinks Harper is doing the right thing about the surgery.

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Friday, March 7: Tane and Harper share a touching moment

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Ahead of the surgery, they name their baby.

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Friday, March 7: The couple try to stay positive

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They dream of a happy future with the baby.

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Friday, March 7: Eden faces a stressful time

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While Lyrik rehearse at a private retreat organised by Remi, Tim figures out that Eden still has feelings for Cash.

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Friday, March 7: Remi gives Eden some advice

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Even though Tim is upset, Remi encourages Eden to give him some space.

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Friday, March 7: Remi sees something unexpected after Eden walks away

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Cash has arrived at the retreat and he’s in a furious clash with Tim.

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Friday, March 7: Cash tries to warn Tim

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He’s convinced that Tim’s former client Nerida poses a serious threat.

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Friday, March 7: Cash tries to explain himself

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Nerida has openly made threats towards Eden and Tim.

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Friday, March 7: Tim is sceptical

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Despite Nerida’s recent false allegations against him, he doesn’t believe that she poses a genuine threat.

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Friday, March 7: Tim doubts Cash’s motives

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He suspects that Cash just wants to cause trouble again.

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Friday, March 7: A mystery unfolds

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The next morning, Cash regains consciousness after being knocked out.

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Friday, March 7: Tim is nearby

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He’s in a very bad way.

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Friday, March 7: Tim has clearly been attacked

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But the culprit is nowhere to be seen.

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Friday, March 7: Cash rushes over to check on Tim

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It’s clear that Tim will need emergency medical attention.

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Friday, March 7: Cash is baffled

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There are no immediate clues about what happened here.

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Friday, March 7: Justin is nearby

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He witnesses the unsettling scene.

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Friday, March 7: Cash worries

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He knows this looks bad for him.