For Maddison Brown, the past year has been nothing short of transformative. As Home and Away continues to dominate Australian television with its blend of heartache, hope,

and high-stakes drama, Brown has quietly emerged as one of the show’s emotional anchors—an achievement she describes as both exhilarating and exhausting. Now, as she pauses to reflect

on what she calls her most demanding year yet, the actress is candid about the pressure, the growth, and the people who carried her through it all. “I couldn’t have done it without them,”

Brown admits, her voice thick with emotion as she looks back on a year that tested her stamina, sharpened her craft, and reshaped her sense of self—both on and off the screen.

A Landmark Year in Summer Bay

Brown’s rise over the last 12 months has been undeniable. With her profile steadily climbing and her schedule packed with competing commitments, the actress found herself navigating a relentless pace that left little room to breathe. Long shooting days, emotionally heavy scenes, and the constant demand to deliver at the highest level became the norm.

Yet, rather than breaking her, the intensity pushed her to new heights.

“This year really asked a lot of me,” Brown reflects. “There were moments where I thought, ‘Can I keep up with this?’ But every challenge ended up making me stronger.”

Central to that growth was her work on Home and Away, where her character, Jo—often referred to by fans simply as Joe—was thrust into some of the show’s most powerful and confronting storylines. From the moment Jo arrived in Summer Bay, it was clear she wasn’t there for a quiet introduction. Instead, she became a lightning rod for conflict, grief, and emotional reckoning.

A Character Forged in Pain and Truth

Jo’s journey has been anything but gentle. The character entered the series carrying unresolved trauma, complicated family ties, and a past that refused to stay buried. Uneasy reunions set the tone early, forcing Jo to confront fractured relationships and long-suppressed emotions.

But it was the devastating truth surrounding her mother’s death that truly defined the year. As secrets were unearthed and painful realities came to light, Jo found herself at the center of a storm that rippled through multiple families in Summer Bay.

“For Jo, there was no escape from the truth,” Brown explains. “Every time she thought she’d found solid ground, something else would shift beneath her.”

The storyline demanded emotional precision and resilience, requiring Brown to dig deep episode after episode. Those efforts culminated in the explosive train crash that closed the most recent season—a jaw-dropping finale that cemented Jo’s arc as one of the most emotionally charged of the year.

The crash wasn’t just spectacle; it was symbolic. It represented the collision of past and present, loss and survival, and left viewers reeling as Jo’s fate hung in the balance.

On-Screen Sisters, Off-Screen Support

Sharing much of that journey was Sophia Pennington, who plays Jo’s on-screen sister, Lacy. The bond between the two characters quickly became a fan favourite, marked by raw honesty, shared grief, and a fierce sense of loyalty. Their chemistry was so convincing that many viewers assumed it mirrored a real-life family connection.

Brown laughs at the misconception, revealing that even some cast members initially believed the pair were related.

“That’s how natural it felt from day one,” she says. “Sophia and I just clicked.”

Through long days on set and emotionally draining scenes, their friendship deepened, becoming a vital source of support. When the material felt overwhelming, they leaned on each other, finding moments of levity between takes and strength in shared understanding.

“That kind of connection makes all the difference,” Brown adds. “You feel safe going to those vulnerable places because you know the person opposite you has your back.”

Finding Her Feet Under Pressure

Despite her growing confidence now, Brown admits her early days on Home and Away were daunting. The show’s famously fast-paced production schedule can be a shock even for seasoned actors, and she recalls feeling overwhelmed by the sheer scale of it all.

“There were days at the beginning where I’d go home and think, ‘How am I going to do this again tomorrow?’” she recalls.

Long shooting days pushed her well beyond her comfort zone, forcing her to adapt quickly or risk falling behind. But gradually, nerves gave way to assurance. Lines that once felt intimidating became instinctive. Emotional beats that once required intense preparation began to flow more naturally.

“What felt impossible at first eventually became second nature,” she says. “It really proves that persistence and experience change everything.”

A Deep Bond with the Audience

Brown is acutely aware that Home and Away occupies a unique place in Australian culture. Airing multiple nights a week, the show becomes part of viewers’ routines—and, in many cases, their families.

She believes that’s why audiences feel such a personal connection to the characters.

“People grow up with this show,” Brown explains. “They watch it at dinner time, after school, after work. Over time, the characters almost feel like members of their own household.”

That closeness can sometimes blur the line between actor and role, with fans projecting Jo’s struggles and strengths onto Brown herself. Rather than resisting it, she sees it as a testament to the show’s power.

“It means they care,” she says simply.

Looking Ahead, On Screen and Off

Despite the dramatic season finale, Brown remains tight-lipped about what lies ahead for Jo in 2026. With the character’s future shrouded in uncertainty, fans are left speculating about how the fallout from the train crash will reshape her path.

Off-screen, however, Brown’s own future is already taking shape. Alongside her acting career, she continues to expand her Australian sunscreen brand, Outside Beauty and Skincare. With new products on the horizon, she describes the coming year as a major step forward for the business.

“It’s another creative outlet for me,” she says. “And it’s exciting to see it grow.”

Rest, Reflection, and Gratitude

For now, though, the focus is on rest. After a year that demanded so much, Brown is looking forward to slowing down and reconnecting with loved ones. She plans to spend Christmas in New Zealand with her fiancé Simon Mee’s family, relishing the chance to step away from the spotlight and recharge.

As she reflects on the whirlwind year behind her, one theme rises above all others: community.

“Whether it was on set, with my cast mates, or at home with family and friends, connection is what carried me through,” Brown says. “Even on the toughest days, knowing you’re not alone makes everything worthwhile.”

It’s that sense of shared effort—of people lifting one another through long hours and heavy scenes—that Brown credits for turning her biggest year into her most meaningful one yet. And as Home and Away moves into its next chapter, it’s clear that both Jo and the actress who brings her to life are only just getting started.