In a revelation that has stunned fans and shaken the Australian television community, actor Steve Peacocke — best known for playing the legendary Darryl “Brax” Braxton —

has announced he will never return to Home and Away again. His reason is heartbreaking: the sudden passing of a beloved co-star who shaped his early years on the show

and played an irreplaceable role in his life both on and off screen. While Peacocke has remained open to cameo appearances and nostalgic reunions in past interviews,

the actor has now drawn a firm emotional line. The tragic loss, he revealed, has closed a chapter he once believed he might revisit. For the first time, he has spoken publicly about why he can no longer step back into the world that launched his career.

A Loss That Shattered the Braxton Legacy

The passing of Peacocke’s co-star — a longtime cast member known for their warmth, humour, and deep friendship with the actor — occurred quietly earlier this year. Out of respect for the family, the details were not widely publicized at the time. But within the Home and Away cast, the grief was immediate, profound, and destabilizing.

For Peacocke, the loss was particularly devastating.

During a recent media appearance promoting his latest project, the actor grew visibly emotional when asked about whether he might one day return to Summer Bay. After a long pause, he finally confessed:

“I don’t think I can. Not anymore. Not after losing them. That place doesn’t feel the same to me now.”

His voice trembled as he explained that the co-star had been “the backbone of my early years” on the show — a mentor, friend, and near-family member whose presence defined much of his experience in front of and behind the camera.

“They were always there. Every scene, every storyline, every time I doubted myself… they were the one telling me, ‘Mate, you’ve got this.’ Walking back onto that set without them — I just couldn’t do it.”

The Bond That Defined an Era

Those who worked on Home and Away during the Braxton era remember the partnership well. Peacocke and his co-star shared intense storylines, long filming days, and off-screen friendship that grew stronger with each passing year. They helped one another through difficult plot arcs, public attention, and the rapid rise of their careers.

According to former castmates, the two often spent breaks together discussing scripts, improvising dialogue, or simply laughing until their stomachs hurt. Their closeness was well known across the set, with many describing them as “inseparable” during their early seasons.

“They weren’t just co-workers,” one insider shared. “They were family. Losing someone like that isn’t something you move on from. Some relationships anchor you to a place — and when that anchor is gone, the place becomes painful.”

How the Passing Changed Everything for Peacocke

Peacocke admitted that he initially kept the grief private. He had been filming another project when the news reached him, and the emotional shock left him unable to speak to the media for weeks. He threw himself into work, hoping the distraction would help. It didn’t.

“I’d have moments where something reminded me of the old days in Summer Bay — a scene, a line of dialogue, a story someone shared — and then the reality would hit. They weren’t here. And I’d feel that collapse inside me all over again.”

He confided that even seeing old episodes or throwback photos became too painful. The memories shifted from joyful nostalgia to a reminder of everything that would never return.

“It’s like the sun went out in that part of my life,” he said quietly.

Fans Hoping for a Brax Return Are Now Left Heartbroken

For years, fans have begged for even a brief Brax cameo, especially during milestone episodes, major exits, or the show’s anniversary specials. Peacocke always responded politely, never dismissing the possibility entirely.

But now, the door has closed.

Fan reactions across social media have been a mixture of sorrow, empathy, and emotional tributes to the co-star who inspired Peacocke’s statement. One viewer wrote, “This makes my heart ache. Losing a loved one changes everything. If he feels he can’t return, we stand with him.”

Another added, “Brax was iconic, but behind the character was a human being who formed real bonds. This decision makes sense, and we respect him for speaking the truth.”

The Co-Star’s Legacy Lives On

While the actor declined to name the co-star during the interview, insiders revealed that the individual was someone widely adored — not just by the cast, but by viewers who grew up watching them. Their dedication to the role, their off-screen kindness, and their support for younger cast members left an enduring impact.

In the months following their passing, several Home and Away alumni posted private tributes, sharing stories of laughter, mentorship, and unforgettable moments on set.

“They were the heart of the place,” one veteran actor commented. “You felt better just being around them.”

That legacy, Peacocke said, is why he cannot bring himself to return.

“I want to remember Summer Bay the way it was. The way we lived it. The way they were part of it. Going back now… it would feel like walking into a house where someone is missing. Too silent. Too wrong.”

A Final Message to Fans

Peacocke ended the interview with a heartfelt message to supporters:

“I know a lot of fans hoped to see Brax one last time. And trust me, part of me loved that idea too. But I have to honour what my heart’s telling me. Home and Away gave me everything — friends, memories, a career — but now it holds a sadness I can’t ignore. I hope people understand.”

He paused before adding one last, painfully honest line:

“I’ll always love Summer Bay. But I can’t go back without them.”

A Chapter Closed — But Never Forgotten

Steve Peacocke’s announcement marks the end of an era, not just for fans but for the legacy of the Braxtons themselves. While viewers may mourn the finality of his decision, they stand united in empathy, understanding that grief reshapes the paths we take — even for those whose lives unfold on screens worldwide.

And although Peacocke may never return to Home and Away, the memories, laughter, and iconic stories he shared with his co-star will remain forever etched into Summer Bay’s history.