In a revelation that has stunned fans and industry insiders alike, Home and Away favourite Jessica Redmayne has announced that she is expecting her first child —

just weeks after her emotional departure from the long-running Australian soap. The beloved actress, who portrayed the fiery and determined Harper Matheson,

confirmed the news in a heartfelt post that has since set social media ablaze. The biggest shock of all? Jessica revealed that the baby’s father is none other than a fellow Australian actor,

with whom she shares a surprising and previously undisclosed connection. After weeks of quiet speculation about what might be next for the star following her exit from Summer Bay, Jessica dropped the bombshell on her Instagram earlier this week. Sharing a stunning black-and-white photo cradling her growing baby bump, she wrote simply: “Life has a funny way of writing its own scripts… Excited to start this new chapter.”

Almost instantly, the post ignited a wildfire of speculation — with fans desperate to know who the mystery father was. But the mystery didn’t last long. Hours later, Jessica confirmed that the father of her child is none other than [Actor’s Name Placeholder — e.g., Luke Van Os], her former Home and Away co-star.

The revelation has left fans reeling, as the pair had never publicly confirmed any off-screen romance during their time on the show. Insiders, however, claim that sparks began flying between Jessica and her co-star months before her departure. “They were very private,” one crew member revealed. “But their chemistry was obvious. You could tell there was something real there — they just wanted to keep it out of the spotlight.”

While neither Jessica nor her partner has revealed exactly when they began dating, the timeline suggests their relationship blossomed quietly during filming last year. Friends close to the couple say the pregnancy came as a surprise, but a “beautiful and happy one.”

“She’s over the moon,” one friend shared. “Jessica has always wanted to be a mother, and though it wasn’t planned, she’s embracing every second of it. They’re both excited — nervous, but thrilled.”

Jessica’s former castmates were quick to flood her announcement with love and support, with many expressing their joy for the actress and her growing family. One co-star wrote, “Couldn’t be happier for you, Jess. You deserve every bit of this joy!” while another added, “Summer Bay might have lost one of its brightest stars, but motherhood suits you perfectly.”

As for what comes next, Jessica has reportedly decided to take a break from acting to focus on her health and the baby, but sources say she’s already received several offers for future television projects. “She’s an incredible talent,” a network insider said. “Once she’s ready to return, the door will be wide open.”

Fans are now eagerly awaiting updates on Jessica’s pregnancy journey — and the possibility of her and her actor partner officially stepping out together as a couple.

From heartbreak and redemption on-screen to new beginnings in real life, Jessica Redmayne’s latest chapter is shaping up to be her most beautiful story yet.