In a revelation that has left Summer Bay fans reeling, Home and Away’s newest heartthrob, Ryan Brown, has publicly confirmed that he’s in a same-sex relationship — a mere week after his first episodes on the hit Aussie soap aired.

The 27-year-old actor, who plays mysterious newcomer Ethan Clarke, made the announcement via a candid Instagram post late last night, sending shockwaves through the Home and Away community.

“For years I hid who I was, afraid it might affect my work,” Brown wrote to his 80,000 followers. “But stepping into Ethan’s shoes made me realise — hiding doesn’t serve anyone. I’m proud to say I’m in love with my partner, Jamie, and we’ve been together for almost two years.”

The heartfelt post was accompanied by a simple black-and-white photo of Brown and Jamie walking hand-in-hand along Sydney’s Bondi Beach — a subtle, striking image that’s now making headlines worldwide.

From Mystery Man to Proud Icon

Ryan Brown’s character Ethan Clarke only appeared in Summer Bay last week, and viewers instantly fell for his brooding charm and emotional depth. Off-screen, however, Brown has been living a quiet life, with little known about his personal world — until now.

Insiders say the actor was “nervous but ready” to make the announcement, having discussed it with Home and Away producers before filming began. One insider told TV Week:

“Ryan didn’t want to start this new chapter of his career with secrets hanging over him. He wanted to live authentically, both on and off screen. The network was completely supportive — they told him to go for it.”

Fan Shock — and Support

The internet exploded within minutes of Brown’s post going live. Fans flooded his page with messages of love and admiration:

“Ryan, you’re a legend. Thanks for showing young actors that you can be your true self,” wrote one fan.
“Summer Bay just got a whole lot brighter,” another added.

Even Brown’s Home and Away co-stars rallied behind him. Veteran actor Ray Meagher (Alf Stewart) reportedly sent a congratulatory text, while newcomer Courtney Clarke posted: “So proud of this man — brave, beautiful and absolutely shining right now.”

A Brave Move in a Changing Industry

Brown’s revelation comes at a time when Home and Away is embracing deeper, more diverse storytelling. With recent LGBTQ+ storylines gaining praise for authenticity, fans are already wondering if Ethan Clarke’s on-screen story might reflect some of Brown’s real-life experiences.

Producers remain tight-lipped, but one source teased:

“There’s definitely more to Ethan than what viewers have seen so far. Ryan’s honesty and emotional depth will absolutely influence how his story unfolds.”

“No More Hiding”

Brown ended his post with a moving message to his followers:

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that love should never be hidden. I’ve hidden long enough — now I just want to live.”

The actor’s courage has been widely hailed as a defining moment for the long-running soap, marking a fresh, modern chapter for Home and Away.

With his character’s mysterious storyline heating up on screen — and his personal truth finally out in the open — Ryan Brown has quickly become the most talked-about man in Summer Bay.

And as one insider put it:

“This is only the beginning. Both for Ethan… and for Ryan himself.”