Summer Bay is bracing itself for one of the most harrowing weeks in Home and Away history. The coastal town is plunged into tragedy as counselor Craig Wendell’s dark past

and deadly actions come to the forefront, leaving the Lang family shattered and viewers on the edge of their seats. Next week in the UK, audiences will witness an escalating horror

as Wendell’s obsession with hiding his secrets culminates in a shocking death that threatens to tear the community apart.

For months, the Lang family has fought for answers surrounding Christina Lang’s untimely death. A fatal car accident on Baxter Creek Road in 2023 left the family devastated and desperate for justice. The only lead was a gray Mercedes involved in the crash, which was later linked to the elusive Craig Wendell. David, the family’s steadfast investigator, discovered that Wendell had been in the vicinity of the accident. However, the counselor claimed to have no memory of that fateful day, suggesting that anyone from his team could have been driving the vehicle. Curiously, the car was sold only a few days later, raising further suspicions.

David’s persistent inquiries quickly triggered a warning from Wendell’s lawyer, followed by a direct order from Superintendent Willis to cease the investigation. Official channels were blocked, but the Langs refused to give up. Lacy and Joe took matters into their own hands, determined to uncover the truth that official channels would not reveal. Joe’s suspicions were first piqued when she noticed a fleeting, almost recognisable glance from Wendell at the police station — a look that hinted at knowledge far beyond his denials.

In a bold move, Lacy staged a covert operation, sneaking into her father David’s office while Joe feigned a panic attack at home to divert attention. There, Lacy captured photographs of collated evidence against Wendell, taking a crucial step toward unraveling the mystery. Despite Joe urging her to step back and avoid further deception, Lacy’s determination remained unshaken. Her boyfriend Theo grew increasingly concerned as Lacy’s obsession escalated — hiring a car, staking out Wendell’s home overnight, and attempting to extract information through subterfuge.

The tension reached a new level when Lacy called Wendell under the guise of a podcast interview to discuss local community matters, only to pivot the conversation toward the Baxter Creek Road accident. Her strategic persistence set the stage for a climactic confrontation that promised to expose Wendell’s culpability once and for all.

Meanwhile, David continued his undercover work, maintaining a precarious balance between family loyalty and official duty. Joe, concerned by her father’s unusual behavior, looped in Lacy. The sisters confronted David about the man who had glanced at them with recognition at the station. While David tried to dismiss the suspicion as a dead end, Lacy’s evidence painted a different picture — the counselor, Craig Wendell, had been nearby when Christina’s life was tragically cut short.

Adding to the suspense, Joe discovered Wendell’s name in the condolence book from her mother’s funeral. When she and Lacy confronted David, he reluctantly admitted that he had been ordered to stand down by superiors. Determined not to let the case die, Lacy revealed her own investigative efforts, including threatening Wendell with exposure to both law enforcement and the media.

However, the most terrifying twist came after another hypnotherapy session with Amelia. Joe recalled a new, chilling detail: a man in a suit approaching the wrecked Mercedes, checking Christina’s pulse, and fleeing before help could arrive. This revelation escalated the stakes and foreshadowed the deadly confrontation to come.

As the tension mounted, Lacy enlisted Theo to accompany her to a desolate country road for a face-to-face encounter with Wendell. Theo’s concern for Lacy’s safety was palpable, but he respected her determination to confront the man responsible for her mother’s death. At the remote location, Lacy staged a confrontation designed to elicit a confession, claiming she had witnessed Wendell’s actions firsthand.

The encounter began with Wendell visibly shaken as Lacy accused him of causing the fatal crash and abandoning her mother at the scene. He appeared to consider her demands, seemingly ready to come clean. But in a shocking escalation, Wendell’s true nature emerged: he seized a moment of vulnerability to commit an unspeakable act. He floored his car, targeting Lacy with lethal intent.

In a split-second act of heroism, Theo lunged to shield Lacy from the oncoming vehicle, pushing her out of harm’s way. The scene reached its devastating climax as Wendell’s car struck Theo, leaving him lifeless on the ground. Lacy’s horror and despair were palpable as she confronted the terrifying reality — the person she loved most had been killed by the very man they sought to bring to justice.

This harrowing storyline is a testament to the show’s skill in blending suspense, emotional depth, and moral complexity. Wendell’s actions not only have immediate, tragic consequences but also ripple across the lives of the Lang family and the wider Summer Bay community. The emotional fallout from Theo’s death and Lacy’s trauma promises to dominate upcoming episodes, providing a raw, compelling narrative that keeps viewers riveted.

The fallout will test loyalties, courage, and resilience. Lacy’s pursuit of justice will continue, but the stakes are higher than ever. David must navigate his responsibilities as both investigator and father, Joe must cope with layers of grief and frustration, and the wider Summer Bay community will be left reeling from Wendell’s violent actions. Every character’s choices will be scrutinized, and the impact of Wendell’s deeds will echo throughout the town.

Next week in the UK, viewers can expect a rollercoaster of emotion, suspense, and heartbreak. Lacy’s relentless drive, Theo’s ultimate sacrifice, and Wendell’s descent into violence create a narrative tension that will leave audiences breathless. Home and Away once again proves why it is one of the most compelling soap operas, delivering storylines that blend high-stakes drama with emotional authenticity.

As the series explores themes of justice, retribution, and the devastating consequences of unchecked deceit, fans are reminded that Summer Bay is never as safe as it seems. The shocking death at the hands of Wendell cements this storyline as one of the most dramatic and tragic arcs in the show’s history.

The upcoming episodes are a must-watch, promising suspense, emotional turmoil, and a confrontation that will have lasting repercussions for everyone in Summer Bay. Audiences are advised to brace themselves — Home and Away is delivering one of its most gripping, heartbreaking, and terrifying storylines to date.