Summer Bay is set for a tumultuous 2026 as Home and Away returns to UK screens, promising heartbreak, romance, danger, and shocking twists that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

With Channel 5 poised to air the first episodes of the New Year from Friday, 2nd January 2026, fans are already bracing themselves for an explosive start, picking up just weeks after the shocking finale of 2025.

As usual, the UK is several weeks behind Australian broadcasts, giving us a sneak peek at the dramatic events awaiting Summer Bay’s residents. From romance and reconciliation to tragedy

and betrayal, next year’s storylines promise to test the bonds of family, friendship, and love like never before.

McKenzie and Levi: Grief, Guilt, and Growing Distance

The year begins on a deeply emotional note for McKenzie and Levi. After the devastating loss of their unborn child following a brief moment of hope with a positive pregnancy test, McKenzie finds herself pushing Levi away. Her grief is compounded when she learns that friends Dean and Ziggy have welcomed their second baby, Daniela Thompson, weighing 3.5 kg, leaving McKenzie to feel isolated and unable to cope.

As she decides to head north to Queensland to support Dean and Ziggy with their newborn, Levi struggles to reach her, feeling helpless and lost. When McKenzie ignores his calls, the couple faces the painful reality of navigating not only their shared loss but the uncertainty surrounding their relationship.

Adding fuel to the fire, Levi’s temper spirals out of control at Northern Districts Hospital. When Bri is harassed by a difficult patient, Levi’s protective instincts push him too far, resulting in him punching the offender. Now, his career is on the line, leaving both him and McKenzie to confront the consequences of impulsive actions. Will Levi’s job survive, and can the couple find their way back to one another in the face of mounting grief and tension?

Sunny and Remy: Honoring Theo’s Legacy

Meanwhile, Summer Bay continues to grieve the loss of Theo, the first artist signed to Back on Track Records. With Justin stepping back temporarily as manager, Remy had nearly abandoned the fledgling label, but a pep talk from Sunny reignites his determination.

As 2026 unfolds, Sunny and Remy decide that Theo’s new recording studio must serve as a tribute to their late friend. Retrieving Theo’s belongings from his apartment, they are struck by his beloved guitar, a gift from Justin himself. The instrument, a symbol of Theo’s passion for music and the joy he brought to those around him, becomes a permanent fixture in the studio, accompanied by a small plaque reading: “In this house, music is never a waste of time.”

This heartfelt tribute, however, triggers unforeseen consequences. Leah, navigating her own grief over Theo, begins to lean on Sunny for emotional support, mistakenly seeing him as a replacement for her nephew. Tensions rise as Justin notices Leah’s unhealthy attachment, leading to clashes with both Sunny and Leah. The situation threatens to destabilize not only personal relationships but the harmony of the community around them.

Tarn and Joe: Secrets, Romance, and Complications

Love is never simple in Summer Bay, and Tarn and Joe face a rollercoaster of emotions in 2026. After months of flirtation, the pair finally take their romance public, yet their relationship is immediately complicated by Tarn’s criminal past. When David discovers Tarn’s history, he warns him that Joe deserves stability and simplicity, prompting Tarn to question whether he is truly right for her.

Despite the tension, Joe is determined to pursue her feelings, asking Tarn outright if he wants the relationship to continue. The couple’s passionate connection leads them to a local motel, cementing their romance—but secrecy remains essential, especially when Joe’s friend Lacy discovers texts revealing their tryst.

Adding another layer of drama, Joe’s ex-boyfriend Eddie Shepherd, a local music teacher and Remy’s first signee for Back on Track Records, returns to Summer Bay. Joe faces an agonizing choice: explore a new chapter with Tarn or reconnect with Eddie, whose lingering feelings for her add further complexity. The tug-of-war between past and present promises to keep viewers guessing about Joe’s ultimate choice.

Harper and Dana: Family Secrets and Co-Parenting Battles

Family dynamics also take center stage as Harper seeks to reconnect with her estranged mother, Carrie, for the sake of her son, Archie. Years of absence and a troubled upbringing have left Dana skeptical of their mother’s intentions, and tensions quickly rise when Carrie appears unannounced at Harper’s motel.

Harper insists she will not leave Archie in Carrie’s care alone, but her efforts are undermined when Tarn, concerned for Archie’s safety, removes him from the house, leaving a note explaining he has taken the child. The incident highlights the precarious nature of co-parenting and sets the stage for ongoing custody disputes, forcing Harper to seek legal advice and solidifying a central narrative arc for 2026.

Remy and Sunny: Launching Summer Bay’s Music Scene

The duo’s burgeoning music label continues to generate excitement as they recruit Eddie Shepherd as their first artist. Sunny orchestrates a last-minute performance slot for Eddie at the Off the Rails Festival in Broken Hill, turning their fledgling label into a national sensation. The event promises a mix of triumph and chaos, with a special train collecting performers and friends from Summer Bay, setting the stage for drama, romance, and unforeseen disasters.

Trains, Chaos, and Life-Threatening Danger

The season escalates to dramatic extremes when the festival train, carrying key characters including McKenzie, Levi, Joe, Lacy, and newcomers Holden and Isaac, collides with abandoned bikes after a group of teenagers flees the tracks. The train derails, throwing partygoers into chaos and leaving viewers to question who will survive. The Australian finale teased a shocking death, leaving UK fans anticipating the fallout with only a 24-hour delay.

Bree, Eden, and Personal Growth

As some characters face tragedy, others confront growth and opportunity. Bree receives life-changing news when Northern Districts Hospital introduces personal alarms for doctors, enabling her to safely pursue her role with Doctors Without Borders. She departs for Belgium, marking a heartfelt farewell to Summer Bay and a poignant storyline of ambition and independence.

Meanwhile, Eden struggles with feelings of exclusion as Remy and Sunny’s music venture takes off. Encouraged by Cash to pursue her own path, she discovers her desire for independence, ultimately applying for a volunteer role with the police—though safety concerns from Cash threaten her plans.

Langham Family Closure

Finally, the long-standing mystery surrounding the Langham family reaches resolution. Counselor Wendell, responsible for the tragic accident that claimed Theo and Christina’s lives, is sentenced to life imprisonment. The family, including David, Lacy, and Joe, is finally able to breathe, signaling an emotional turning point as they begin the long process of healing.

What Lies Ahead?

2026 promises to be an unforgettable year in Summer Bay. From romantic entanglements and new arrivals to life-threatening disasters, the upcoming episodes will test the courage, resilience, and hearts of the Bay’s residents. As Sunny navigates life in a wheelchair, Remy faces his own medical crises, and Eddie launches his music career, viewers will be captivated by a tapestry of stories blending love, loss, and ambition.

With Channel 5 resuming weekday airings on Monday, 5th January 2026, UK fans will witness every heartbreak, every triumph, and every shocking twist just 24 hours after Australian audiences, ensuring that Summer Bay remains the most thrilling place on the small screen.