The long-awaited return of two of Home and Away’s most beloved characters — Daryl “Brax” Braxton and Ricky Sharpe — has officially begun filming, and fans are losing their minds.

For the first time in nearly a decade, the Summer Bay icons are back, and this time, their story takes them far from the familiar beaches of New South Wales to the breathtaking wilderness of Western Australia.

Back in August, producers confirmed what many fans had been hoping for — that Home and Away would film a special series of high-stakes episodes in Western Australia. Described as

a “landmark television event,” these episodes promise sweeping landscapes, emotional reunions, and dangerous new beginnings for some of the show’s most iconic characters. The storyline will explore where life has taken Brax and Ricky since their emotional exit in 2016 — and, if the early photos are any indication, this return will be nothing short of explosive.

The Return of the River Boy

Steven Peacocke, who became a household name thanks to his portrayal of Brax, has been spotted filming in Perth’s bustling CBD, confirming weeks of rumors about his comeback. Beside him? None other than Ethan Browne, who plays Dean Thompson — a character closely tied to the River Boys’ legacy. Their on-set chemistry and intense expressions in behind-the-scenes shots suggest that the River Boys may be back in action, perhaps caught in another web of loyalty, danger, and redemption.

Social media has been buzzing with photos and sightings. Fans have snapped pictures of Steven and Ethan chatting with the crew near Perth’s Bell Tower and at the scenic Elizabeth Quay. The return of Brax immediately reignites questions about whether his legendary River Boys will once again dominate the storyline — and whether old grudges or new enemies might follow him into this new chapter.

Ricky’s Triumphant Comeback

While Bonnie Sveen (Ricky) has not yet been photographed on set, sources confirm she will join the Western Australia shoot very soon. Ricky’s reappearance after ten years is a deeply emotional moment for fans who watched her love story with Brax unfold — from passionate highs to heartbreaking goodbyes.

In a statement, Bonnie shared her excitement: “Bringing Ricky back wasn’t something I ever expected. I’m beyond thrilled to reunite with Steve and the Home and Away family. Exploring where Ricky and Brax are now, ten years later, will make for a very special and compelling story. Filming in Western Australia feels like the perfect backdrop for this new chapter.”

Bonnie has built an impressive résumé since leaving Home and Away, starring in acclaimed Australian dramas such as Rosehaven and The Secret Daughter. Her award-winning short film Finding Addison and her standout role in Thou Shalt Not Steal have cemented her as one of Australia’s most talented screen actors. Her return to Summer Bay, therefore, feels both nostalgic and monumental.

A Storyline of Redemption, Reunion, and Risk

While producers remain tight-lipped about the exact plot, insiders suggest the Western Australia storyline will be “high-stakes, emotional, and deeply connected to the show’s history.” The inclusion of Dean and Tane Parata (Ethan Browne) hints at a connection to the River Boys and perhaps a clash between old loyalties and new lives.

Fans will recall that Tane briefly crossed paths with Brax’s brother, Heath, during a tense 2021 storyline involving a drug gang and a robbery gone wrong. Heath’s cameo appearance reignited the River Boy spirit — and now, with Brax himself back on screen, it seems the past is about to catch up with the present in spectacular fashion.

Could Tane find himself dragged into the chaos once more? Will Dean’s loyalty to Brax cause tension back home in Summer Bay? And most importantly — what brings Brax and Ricky back together after all these years?

Behind the Scenes in Western Australia

The special episodes are being filmed across several stunning Western Australian locations, including Perth’s coastline, the rugged red outback, and remote desert landscapes. This marks the first time Home and Away has ever filmed in WA, signaling the producers’ ambition to make these episodes truly cinematic.

In a press release, executive producer Julie McGauran praised the project’s scope: “It’s an absolute joy to have Steve and Bonnie back for this epic event. They’ve both left such a mark on Home and Away, and their return will be a treat for longtime fans. The story explores what life looks like for Brax and Ricky now — and there will be plenty of surprises along the way.”

With at least five episodes planned, the Western Australia arc is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events in Home and Away history.

Steven Peacocke Reflects on His Return

For Steven Peacocke, the return to Home and Away feels like coming full circle. “I’ll always be grateful to Home and Away for being the launch pad to my career,” he told TV Week. “When the producers asked me to revisit Brax, it just felt right. The fans have been so loyal, and filming in Western Australia — in those incredible landscapes — really makes it special.”

Steven admitted that stepping back into Brax’s shoes brought a mix of excitement and nerves: “Part of me is nervous. I want to make it good for the audience because that role meant so much to me. Anytime you get to play a character that resonates so deeply, it’s something you should treasure.”

What Fans Can Expect

The storyline promises a mix of emotional depth, thrilling tension, and nostalgic callbacks. Sources close to production hint that Brax and Ricky’s return will tie into major changes for several current Summer Bay residents, setting off a chain reaction that could alter the show’s dynamics for years to come.

Fans are already speculating online about whether Brax and Ricky’s reunion will lead to rekindled romance or heartbreak. Their past was filled with love, sacrifice, and loss — and time apart may have changed them both. But one thing’s certain: their connection runs deep, and their return together promises to stir up old emotions and new drama.

A Homecoming Like No Other

As cameras roll across Western Australia, anticipation continues to build. Home and Away has always been known for its sweeping storylines and emotional punch, but this special event — set against the state’s majestic scenery — feels like something entirely new.

After a decade apart, Brax and Ricky are stepping back into the world that made them household names. For fans, it’s not just a reunion — it’s a resurrection of one of Home and Away’s most iconic love stories.

Their return marks the beginning of a new era — one filled with redemption, revelation, and raw emotion. And as Brax himself might say, once a River Boy, always a River Boy.