It’s the moment Home and Away fans have been dreaming of for nearly a decade — the long-awaited return of Daryl “Brax” Braxton. But as excitement builds for the beloved River Boy’s comeback,

actor Stephen Peacocke has made a candid confession: stepping back into Brax’s world wasn’t as easy as fans might think. In an exclusive interview with Media Week, Peacocke admitted to feeling

a wave of nerves as he reprised the role that turned him into one of Australia’s most recognized television stars. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” the actor revealed with a humble laugh. “

I still get that anxious energy every time I go to work. There’s never a day I walk away thinking, ‘That was perfect.’”

A Return Years in the Making

Peacocke’s return as Brax marks a monumental moment in Home and Away history. The actor first joined the iconic Australian soap in 2011, quickly earning fan-favorite status with his portrayal of the fiercely loyal yet morally conflicted leader of the River Boys. Alongside Bonnie Sveen, who played his on-screen partner Ricky Sharpe, Peacocke helped shape one of the most memorable love stories in Summer Bay history.

The last time audiences saw Brax and Ricky was back in 2016, when the couple left the golden beaches of Summer Bay behind to start a new life with their infant son, Casey. Their exit left fans heartbroken but hopeful that one day, the pair might return. That wish is finally coming true — nearly ten years later.

The upcoming special event, “Home and Away: The Braxtons Return,” promises to deliver everything fans have missed about the iconic duo — love, loyalty, danger, and the emotional depth that defined Brax’s journey. Filming is currently underway across Western Australia’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes, in collaboration with Tourism Western Australia, bringing a fresh cinematic flair to the series.

A Case of Nerves for a Homecoming Hero

For Peacocke, returning to Summer Bay felt both familiar and surreal. “It’s wild to think it’s been a decade,” he said. “The character and storyline were so loved, and when the producers reached out, I thought it was the perfect time to check in on where Brax and Ricky are now. So much has changed — for them and for me.”

Despite his extensive acting experience, including international projects and feature films, Peacocke confessed that playing Brax again carried its own kind of pressure. “You see younger actors who seem so confident,” he said with a smile. “Meanwhile, I’m the guy asking the director, ‘Are you sure that worked?’ after every take.”

Those jitters, however, stem from a place of deep respect for the role that launched his career. “Brax means a lot to me — and to a lot of people watching,” he explained. “It’s not just another job. I want to do justice to the fans who have kept this character alive for so long.”

The Legacy of Brax and Ricky

Few relationships in Home and Away history have resonated quite like Brax and Ricky’s. Their love story was one of passion and pain, built on trust, betrayal, and the constant tug-of-war between loyalty to family and love. Bonnie Sveen’s return alongside Peacocke only adds to the anticipation, with fans eager to see where the couple’s journey has taken them since their emotional farewell.

“Working with Bonnie again has been incredible,” Peacocke said warmly. “We’ve always had such a great working relationship. We just picked up where we left off — the chemistry was still there.”

The new episodes promise to dive deeper into Brax and Ricky’s life beyond Summer Bay, exploring how time, distance, and parenthood have shaped their relationship. But it wouldn’t be Home and Away without drama. Sources close to the production tease that old enemies and buried secrets could threaten to tear the couple apart once more.

A Tribute to Fans and the Show’s Legacy

For Peacocke, this return feels like more than just revisiting an old role — it’s a heartfelt tribute to the fans who never stopped believing in Brax. “The support over the years has been unbelievable,” he said. “Every time I’ve done interviews or gone to events, people always ask about Brax. It’s special to know that he’s still loved after all this time.”

The actor also took a moment to praise the Home and Away team for creating such a warm and welcoming environment upon his return. “The cast and crew are amazing,” he said. “They’ve built something really special in Summer Bay. Coming back feels like coming home.”

Indeed, Home and Away has long been known for its ability to reinvent itself while maintaining the spirit that has captivated audiences for nearly four decades. With Peacocke’s return, the show not only honors its storied past but also reinvigorates its emotional core.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Brax?

While plot details remain tightly under wraps, insiders hint that Brax’s return will set off a series of life-changing events in Summer Bay. “He’s not the same man he was ten years ago,” Peacocke teased. “Life has changed him — he’s older, wiser, but still very much Brax at heart.”

Fans can expect themes of redemption, fatherhood, and identity to drive his storyline. As Brax confronts the ghosts of his past and the challenges of his present, viewers will see a more vulnerable side to the tough River Boy they once knew.

The Home and Away team has promised that the special episodes — set to air in 2026 — will blend nostalgia with new emotional depth, giving long-time fans the reunion they’ve been craving while introducing new viewers to one of the show’s most magnetic characters.

A Star’s Reflection

As Peacocke prepares to bring Brax back to life, he’s taking it one day at a time — nerves and all. “You never stop learning in this job,” he said thoughtfully. “Even after all these years, I still want to improve, still want to do better. That’s what keeps it exciting.”

For fans, that humility and dedication are exactly what make Stephen Peacocke’s return so special. After years away, he’s not just revisiting a role — he’s reigniting a legacy.

When the cameras roll and the waves crash once more on the shores of Summer Bay, Daryl “Brax” Braxton will rise again — older, wiser, and ready to remind fans why he remains one of Home and Away’s most iconic and beloved characters.