In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Home and Away fandom, insider whispers from the Summer Bay set suggest that actress Jessica Redmayne has privately admitted she has “real feelings” for her co-star Ethan Hale — feelings that allegedly extend beyond the boundaries of their on-screen romance.

According to a production source, the chemistry between the two actors has become “undeniably intense” during the filming of their latest storyline, which sees their characters thrown together in a combustible blend of danger, longing, and emotional upheaval. But while audiences have been raving about their connection on screen, the insider claims Jessica has confided to colleagues that the spark doesn’t switch off when the cameras do.

“Jessica said she’s never experienced something like this with a co-star before,” the source reveals. “She tried to laugh it off at first, but everyone could see it. Their energy on set changed. It was electric — and a little risky.”

Risky indeed, because Ethan is married.

The actor, known for fiercely guarding his private life, has long presented a picture-perfect partnership with his wife, Amelia Hale, who has remained graciously out of the spotlight. But recent murmurs suggest Amelia may not be as unaware of the situation as some had assumed.

Another insider claims Amelia visited the set earlier this month and, while friendly, appeared “unsettled” by the palpable warmth between Ethan and Jessica.

“Amelia’s no fool,” the insider says. “She saw the way Jessica looked at him. It wasn’t a colleague-to-colleague look. It was something deeper, something she recognised immediately — and didn’t like.”

Still, those close to Amelia insist she’s handling the situation with remarkable composure. “She trusts Ethan,” a family friend shares. “But she also knows how these intense working relationships can blur lines. She’s keeping her eyes open.”

As rumours swirl, Jessica has reportedly attempted to pull back, focusing on professionalism. Yet even that has proven difficult. The pair are currently shooting one of the most emotionally charged arcs of the season — a plotline that demands vulnerability, intimacy, and countless hours together in high-stress scenes.

“Everyone keeps saying the performances feel unusually real,” one crew member confides. “And now people are wondering why.”

Despite the feverish speculation, no one suggests Ethan has acted inappropriately. Colleagues describe him as “gentle but firm” in keeping boundaries, even as Jessica’s emotions seem to have complicated their dynamic.

“Ethan cares for her — that’s obvious,” a cast member admits. “But it’s the kind of care you’d expect from someone who doesn’t want to hurt another person. You can tell he’s trying to manage the situation without embarrassing her or upsetting his wife.”

For now, the trio remain tight-lipped. Production bosses are said to be monitoring the situation quietly, hoping the drama remains purely off-camera and doesn’t bleed into the show’s tightly packed filming schedule.

Whether this is a passing moment of blurred lines or the beginning of something far more explosive, only time will tell — but one thing is certain: the atmosphere in Summer Bay has never been hotter.