The peaceful rhythms of Summer Bay are about to be shaken once again in Home and Away’s latest dramatic twist. In a brand-new promo, fans are teased with the explosive return of

Jo’s ex-boyfriend, Eddie Shepard, whose unexpected arrival threatens to derail Jo and Tane’s budding romance just as things were finally starting to heat up. For months,

Home and Away viewers have watched the slow-burn chemistry between Jo and Tane unfold — a story marked by tension, secrecy, and undeniable attraction. After a long “will-they-won’t-they” dance,

the pair finally gave in to their feelings last week, sealing their love with a passionate kiss and an even more passionate night at the Bay Motel. But as every Home and Away fan knows, no romance in Summer Bay ever comes without complications — and Jo’s ex-boyfriend Eddie is about to stir up serious trouble.

Love Blossoms in Secret

After deciding to take their relationship to the next level, Jo and Tane made a mutual decision to keep their romance under wraps. The reason? Jo’s father, David, who remains deeply protective of his daughter following her mother’s tragic passing two years ago. When David accidentally stumbled upon Tane’s police record during an internal review at the station, alarm bells went off.

Concerned that Tane’s complicated past and criminal history could bring more pain into Jo’s already fragile life, David confronted Tane directly. Tane, however, stood his ground, explaining that he had already been honest with Jo about his past — particularly the heartbreaking events surrounding Baby Poppy. Though Jo acknowledged that Tane’s record didn’t look great “on paper,” hearing the full truth from him strengthened her resolve to follow her heart.

Still, David’s warnings weighed heavily on Tane. Despite his feelings, he knew their relationship would only bring more scrutiny and tension. Yet love, as the promo’s voiceover reminds us, “is hard to resist when it blooms.”

A New Threat Emerges

Just when Jo and Tane began to find their footing, a new arrival threatens to undo it all. Enter Eddie Shepard, played by Steven Madson — the charming musician who was once Jo’s first serious love. Eddie’s reappearance comes not as a coincidence but as part of a new storyline connected to Remy’s record label, Back on Track.

Originally, Remy had hoped to sign Theo as his first artist, but Theo’s tragic death left the label at a standstill. Now, Eddie steps in as Remy’s debut signing, brought into the fold by Remy and Sunny. But when Eddie arrives in the Bay to work on his music, fate — or perhaps trouble — ensures his path crosses with Jo’s once more.

As Eddie tours the Bay, a fateful encounter at the beach house shocks Jo to her core. Standing in the kitchen, she freezes when a familiar voice calls her name. “Eddie?” she gasps, unable to hide her surprise. His response is cool and understated: “It’s been a long time.”

But that moment of calm quickly spirals into chaos. Tane, unaware of Jo’s history with Eddie, spots the pair deep in conversation later at the Surf Club. Their body language speaks volumes, and jealousy flashes across Tane’s face. When he later confronts Lacy, Jo’s sister, about what he saw, Lacy sheepishly admits, “He’s… Jo’s ex.”

David’s Growing Suspicion

Meanwhile, David’s protective instincts continue to rise. In another tense scene teased in the promo, Jo and Tane’s attempt at a casual conversation at the Surf Club is interrupted when David appears unexpectedly. The pair scramble to cover up their closeness, pretending to discuss something trivial.

“What did he want?” David asks pointedly after Tane leaves. Jo deflects as best she can, but David’s sharp eyes miss nothing. His doubts grow stronger, and Eddie’s sudden reappearance only adds fuel to his fatherly paranoia.

Eddie, ever the charmer, wastes no time reconnecting with David under friendly pretenses. But his curiosity about Jo’s love life betrays ulterior motives. “Anyone special in her life these days?” he asks with a grin. “Not that I’m aware of,” David replies, smiling slyly. “But hopefully, that’s about to change.”

Tane’s Heart in Turmoil

The situation reaches a breaking point when Tane finally confronts Jo about Eddie’s return. “So, where does that leave us?” he asks, his voice a mix of fear and frustration. Jo hesitates — her silence saying more than words ever could. The emotional storm brewing between them threatens to undo the fragile trust they’ve built.

For Jo, Eddie’s return reopens old wounds. Their relationship once burned bright but ended badly, leaving behind scars she thought had long healed. Now, with Tane in her life, she faces a heart-wrenching choice: revisit her past or fight for her future.

What Lies Ahead

According to Home and Away insiders, Eddie’s stay in Summer Bay won’t be short-lived. He’s expected to remain a key presence throughout the coming weeks — even featuring in this year’s season finale, rumored to involve a dramatic train accident. Fans speculate that his connection to both Jo and Remy’s record label will tie him deeply into several intersecting storylines, making him one of the season’s most pivotal new arrivals.

Off-screen, actor Steven Madson, known for his roles in Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries and Secret Bridesmaids’ Business, brings charisma and complexity to the role. A Mona Vale native, Madson’s familiarity with the coastal landscape makes him a perfect fit for Home and Away’s signature beachside setting.

A Storm of Secrets and Second Chances

With Eddie’s arrival, Home and Away is once again diving into one of its favorite themes: the collision between past loves and new beginnings. Jo’s struggle to balance her loyalty to Tane with the unresolved emotions tied to Eddie sets the stage for heartbreak, betrayal, and perhaps redemption.

As the promo teases, “When the past walks back into your life, will your heart remember — or regret?”

Viewers can expect emotional confrontations, jealous misunderstandings, and tough choices in the weeks to come. Will Jo and Tane’s secret romance survive the storm Eddie brings, or will the newcomer’s charm and familiarity pull her back into old patterns?

One thing is certain — Summer Bay won’t stay calm for long.

Stay tuned as Home and Away continues to deliver its signature blend of love, lies, and lingering danger. Eddie’s return is only the beginning of what promises to be one of the show’s most explosive storylines yet.