For Home and Away stars Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart, life both on and off-screen has been a whirlwind of drama, laughter, and heartfelt moments. While audiences are captivated

by the trials and tribulations of their on-screen characters Leah and Justin, the real-life couple has been quietly crafting a story of joy, connection, and unforgettable family adventures.

In a rare, intimate conversation, the duo opened up about a year of challenges, triumphs, and their exciting plans for the festive season and beyond.

Happiness, as Ada and James make clear, doesn’t come with a single formula. For them, it’s rooted in shared laughter, mutual respect, and the deep bond formed over years of friendship before romance blossomed. Though Leah and Justin have faced heartbreak, grief, and emotional distance in Summer Bay — including the devastating loss of Leah’s nephew Theo — Ada and James have found that humor and joy remain central pillars of their relationship.

Their romance officially began in 2024 after years of working side by side as close friends on Home and Away. The announcement of their relationship was met with excitement when they made their red carpet debut at the 2024 TV Week Logie Awards, stepping out in coordinated looks that immediately captured attention. While the media and fans focused on their glamorous appearance, the couple insists it was the years of shared laughter, trust, and companionship that laid the foundation for their love.

James, now 50, reflects on that friendship with warmth. “We’ve always laughed together,” he says, noting that humor has been a constant since the beginning. “It keeps us grounded and reminds us not to take life too seriously.” Ada, 48, echoes his sentiment, describing their relationship as both joyful and stabilizing. “Feeling content and genuinely happy has been one of the most rewarding parts of being together,” she adds, smiling.

Their warmth was evident during a TV Week Home and Away Christmas shoot, where the pair playfully danced, joked, and shared laughter throughout the day. The contrast between the lighthearted off-screen atmosphere and the on-screen turmoil could not have been starker. Leah and Justin’s marriage has been severely tested by grief, emotional distance, and heartbreak, with Leah struggling to cope with Theo’s death and the departure of her close friend Irene following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Ada admits that filming these intense storylines was emotionally taxing.

“Portraying Leah’s grief and loss takes a lot out of you,” she says. “It’s draining but also rewarding because it allows us to explore the depth of human emotion.” Yet, the couple agrees that maintaining a sense of humor and perspective off-screen is what keeps them grounded and prevents the intensity of the show from spilling into their personal lives.

Looking forward, Ada and James are preparing for a festive season that promises both adventure and quality family time. Over Christmas, they plan to travel to Europe, with stops in Dublin and Oslo, where they hope to witness the northern lights. For James, this is particularly thrilling — he has never experienced a white Christmas, and the anticipation of snow and winter festivities has him eager to embrace the adventure. Ada is already preparing for the cold, packing thermals, boots, and heavy coats to ensure the trip is comfortable and memorable.

Their European journey is just the beginning. In 2026, Ada and James will return with their children — Jonas, Ada’s son, and Scout, James’ daughter — for an extended family adventure across Cyprus, Italy, France, Spain, and London. The children have already been making requests, with Jonas particularly keen to watch a Liverpool football match. Ada expresses pride in seeing both kids successfully settle into Year 7, noting that their growth, maturity, and academic achievements have been a source of joy and reassurance for both parents.

“It’s amazing to watch them thrive,” Ada says. “They’ve adjusted so well to school, and it’s been incredible to see their personalities and talents develop.” For James, turning 50 has prompted reflection rather than change. “This milestone has reminded me how precious life and family are,” he says. “It’s not about the numbers; it’s about the moments, the laughter, and the connections we share.”

Life for the couple has been rich in adventure and humor, often in the most unexpected places. James recounts with a grin a North Queensland holiday where he famously kissed a cane toad — a spontaneous moment that encapsulates the fun-loving and lighthearted approach the couple brings to life. Whether traveling abroad, exploring Australia’s hidden gems, or simply sharing quiet moments at home, Ada and James agree that love and laughter remain at the heart of their journey.

Their on-screen chemistry has mirrored their off-screen connection, with Leah and Justin’s tumultuous storyline offering a compelling, dramatic counterpoint to the couple’s real-life joy. While the season finale hinted at uncertainty for their characters’ future, Ada and James remain focused on creating happy memories away from the cameras. The balance between the emotional intensity of filming and the joy of family life has been essential in sustaining their relationship and well-being.

As 2026 approaches, the couple is optimistic about what lies ahead. Beyond travel and adventure, they aim to strengthen their family bonds, explore new opportunities, and continue nurturing the partnership that began with laughter and deep friendship. For them, the key to happiness is clear: shared joy, unwavering support, and the ability to laugh even in life’s most challenging moments.

In reflecting on the past year, Ada and James agree that the blend of professional dedication, emotional storytelling, and personal happiness has been a remarkable combination. From the heartbreak of Theo’s death to the excitement of upcoming family adventures, the duo has navigated every challenge with resilience, humor, and love. Their journey stands as a reminder to fans that while Summer Bay may be full of drama and unpredictability, off-screen life can be just as rich, meaningful, and full of laughter.

Whether planning snowy Christmases in Europe, long family trips across multiple countries, or enjoying spontaneous adventures at home, Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart continue to demonstrate that the heart of any relationship — on-screen or off — lies in connection, joy, and the moments that make life truly unforgettable.

For fans of Home and Away, the real-life partnership of Ada and James offers a glimpse into the kind of happiness that inspires even the most dramatic storylines, proving that amidst the chaos of Summer Bay, laughter and love remain constant.

As the year draws to a close, the couple is poised to embrace the festive season, their European adventures, and the promise of a bright 2026 — a year that will undoubtedly be filled with even more love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.