In a move that has left fans reeling and the Summer Bay set reportedly “scrambling,” a long-serving Home and Away favourite has suddenly announced their shock departure, bringing an abrupt end to one of the show’s most familiar faces.

Production insiders say the cast and crew were left “stunned into silence” when the actor, who had been filming as usual earlier this week, arrived on set yesterday morning and delivered the unexpected news. According to one source, the decision was made “within hours,” prompting an immediate rewrite of upcoming episodes and rapidly accelerating the character’s exit storyline.

The actor — whose identity Seven is expected to officially confirm within days — is said to have informed producers late the night before, following what one insider described as “a deeply personal turning point” that prompted them to reevaluate their career and life away from the cameras. While details remain tightly guarded, those close to the performer hint that the decision wasn’t driven by conflict or creative differences, but rather a sudden need for change.

“Everyone was blindsided,” the insider reveals. “One day they were talking about long-term plans for their character, and the next… it was over. The atmosphere on set was emotional. There were a lot of quiet hugs, a lot of tears.”

Crew members described the farewell as “hurried but heartfelt,” with the star spending their final hours on location saying a private goodbye to castmates they’ve worked alongside for years. Despite the rushed nature of the exit, the production team is reportedly crafting a send-off that honours both the character’s legacy and the actor’s impact on the show.

Fans will likely see the departure play out on-screen within the next several months, though reports suggest the storyline has been hastily rewritten to accommodate the actor’s immediate exit. Writers were allegedly up late into the night finalising a fresh arc that will allow the character to bow out in a way that feels true to their long-running role.

Rumours have already begun swirling among diehard viewers, with many pointing to recent episodes as possible foreshadowing: lingering emotional beats, sudden shifts in character dynamics, and a noticeable reduction in screen time. But insiders insist the scripts in question were written before anyone knew a departure was on the horizon.

“This wasn’t planned. Not even close,” one crew member shared. “It’s one of the most sudden cast changes the show has dealt with in years.”

Despite the abrupt farewell, sources say the actor remains on warm terms with the network and hasn’t ruled out a return in the future. “They love the show. They love the fans. This isn’t goodbye forever — just goodbye for now,” a colleague hinted.

As speculation continues to swirl, one thing is clear: Summer Bay is about to say goodbye to one of its most beloved residents — and viewers should brace themselves for an emotional exit storyline that promises to leave a mark.

More details — including the actor’s identity and the circumstances behind their surprise decision — are expected to surface in the coming days. Stay tuned.