It was a birthday to remember for Home and Away star Sarah Roberts, who celebrated her 41st with a playful and romantic seaside getaway alongside her boyfriend, cinematographer Jake Iesu.

Far from the spotlight of television sets and press events, the couple was spotted frolicking in the waves at Coogee Beach, packing on the public displays of affection that

have left fans swooning—and reminded the world that life after heartbreak can be beautiful, liberating, and unexpectedly joyful.

The couple, who have been quietly dating for six months, appeared utterly in sync, laughing and splashing as the sun bathed them in golden light. Roberts, radiant in a tropical-print bikini, complemented her striking brunette locks left flowing naturally, while Jake, equally fit and tattooed, sported a pair of colourful Budgie Smuggler swim trunks, showing off his gym-honed physique. The pair strolled hand-in-hand along the sand, their chemistry undeniable, embodying the joy of new love in the warm Australian summer.

After their mid-week dip, Roberts and Iesu gathered their belongings, donning towels, hats, and sunglasses, and headed home hand-in-hand, a picture of contentment and quiet intimacy. For Roberts, who has endured a highly publicized personal upheaval, the sight was symbolic: a woman reclaiming happiness on her own terms.

A New Chapter After Heartbreak

Roberts’ journey to this point has been one of resilience and reinvention. She was previously married to James Stewart, whom she met on the set of Home and Away in 2017. Their whirlwind romance culminated in a fairy-tale wedding in Ireland in 2019, but behind closed doors, the marriage struggled. The couple eventually parted ways, with Roberts admitting in a candid interview with Stellar magazine that the breakdown left her emotionally shattered.

“I’ve been really afraid of talking about this because of what I’ve felt to be the stigma and shame around it,” she revealed in April 2024. “But I just want to say that I am divorced.”

Despite the public nature of her split, Roberts has embraced honesty about her journey. “I have beaten myself up for a long time over the fact that I stayed in something that wasn’t healthy. But I’ve finally found a love for myself that I didn’t have – and that’s the most important relationship of all,” she said. Her words reflect a woman determined to reclaim her life, not as a cast-off celebrity or former spouse, but as an individual fully in control of her own happiness.

Life Moves On: Stewart’s New Romance

Meanwhile, Stewart has reportedly moved on with Ada Nicodemou, Roberts’ former Home and Away co-star, a revelation that stunned fans across the country. The new pairing contrasts sharply with Roberts’ own romantic trajectory, emphasizing how life in the world of Australian soaps—and in real life—continues to evolve for everyone involved. While Stewart and Nicodemou’s romance dominated headlines, Roberts has quietly carved out her own path to happiness, away from public scrutiny, in the company of Jake Iesu.

Meet Jake Iesu: The Man Who Stole Her Heart

Roberts’ new beau, Jake Iesu, is not just a mystery man stepping into the limelight; he is a creative force in his own right. Working as a Steadicam operator and “occasional pilot,” he has previously showcased his artwork at an exhibition titled A Piece of Art in Crows Nest. The couple’s connection is rooted not only in romance but in mutual respect for creativity and the ability to inspire one another.

“I feel grateful that I found him, because he’s allowed me to grow in beautiful and unexpected ways,” Roberts admitted. “But if I didn’t have that, I would still be OK. Because I finally found myself, as clichéd as that may sound.”

Her statements underline a profound personal transformation: Roberts has moved beyond the shadows of past relationships and public scrutiny, finding stability and joy in self-love, personal growth, and authentic companionship.

A Public Display of Private Bliss

The Coogee Beach outing was more than just a birthday celebration; it was a visual testament to Roberts’ rebirth. As she and Jake splashed through the waves, the chemistry between them was palpable, their laughter echoing across the shoreline. Roberts’ exuberance and ease suggested a woman comfortable in her own skin, unafraid to embrace romance and happiness after years of emotional turbulence.

Observers noted how seamlessly the couple interacted—whether cuddling in the surf or strolling the sand hand-in-hand. It was a tender, playful intimacy, captured in moments that seemed both spontaneous and deeply genuine. For Roberts, this new romance appears to be a healing balm, a reminder that life—and love—continues, even after heartbreak.

Reclaiming Personal Power

Roberts’ public acknowledgment of her divorce and subsequent relationship speaks to a larger narrative of empowerment. She has refused to let past stigma dictate her present or future, openly sharing her truth while also protecting her privacy. Her journey serves as an inspiration, particularly for women navigating public lives while coping with personal challenges.

“I’ve finally found a love for myself that I didn’t have,” Roberts said. “And that’s the most important relationship of all.” Her words resonate deeply, illustrating a woman who has taken the time to understand and nurture herself before fully committing to someone else. It’s a story of resilience, growth, and self-discovery—a narrative that is every bit as compelling as her on-screen drama in Home and Away.

Looking Forward: Life and Love in 2026

With her 41st birthday marking this public celebration of love, Roberts seems poised to embrace the year ahead with confidence. Fans of Home and Away and followers of her personal journey alike are eager to see how her life continues to unfold alongside Jake Iesu. From private beach outings to moments of playful intimacy, Roberts has shown that a second chance at happiness is not just possible—it’s beautiful, vibrant, and fully earned.

As Roberts enjoys her new chapter, the contrast with Stewart’s high-profile romance with Ada Nicodemou adds a layer of intrigue and media interest. Yet Roberts remains focused on herself, demonstrating that real strength lies in choosing personal fulfillment over external validation. Her story serves as a reminder that life after loss can be rich with unexpected joy, romance, and opportunity.

A Star Reborn

Sarah Roberts’ birthday beach frolics with Jake Iesu mark more than a celebration of another year—they signal the dawn of a new era in her life. Radiant, empowered, and unapologetically herself, Roberts has turned a page from heartbreak to joy, navigating the complexities of love, fame, and personal growth with grace.

From the iconic sets of Home and Away to the sun-drenched shores of Coogee Beach, Roberts’ journey reminds us all that life—and love—can begin anew, no matter the circumstances. Her story is proof that when one door closes, another opens, often leading to moments of pure, unfiltered happiness that are worth celebrating—and sharing.

As the cameras catch Roberts and Jake laughing in the waves, holding hands, and simply enjoying each other’s company, one thing is clear: the former starlet of Summer Bay has found her place in the world once again, this time in the arms of a man who complements her spirit and celebrates her strength.

With the new year on the horizon, Roberts’ fans can look forward to following her story both on-screen and off, as she embraces love, life, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.