Could one of Home and Away’s most beloved and iconic duos reunite in 2026? Ray Meagher, the legendary actor behind Alf Stewart, has made waves by hinting that

he might go to extraordinary lengths to bring Kate Ritchie—Sally Fletcher—back to Summer Bay. For long-time fans, this revelation is nothing short of a dream come true,

suggesting that the Bay’s heart and soul could soon be restored to the screen.

A Voice for the Fans: Alf Stewart Speaks

Ray Meagher has long been the moral center of Home and Away, playing the wise, gruff, yet endlessly compassionate Alf Stewart since the show’s debut in 1988. Known for his loyalty both on-screen and behind the scenes, Meagher has typically refrained from interfering with storyline decisions. But in a recent radio interview, the actor surprised listeners when he openly declared he might break that tradition—if it meant bringing Kate Ritchie back as Sally.

“I’ve never gone to the producers about a storyline,” Meagher confessed. “But I’d make an exception in Kate’s case.” His admission immediately ignited the imaginations of fans who have spent years wondering if Sally Fletcher could ever return to the Bay’s sun-soaked shores. For decades, Alf and Sally were the emotional backbone of Summer Bay, and the idea of their reunion is a potent mix of nostalgia and excitement.

The Long Absence of a Fan Favorite

Kate Ritchie first appeared as Sally Fletcher in 1988, portraying the wide-eyed, curious schoolgirl who would grow into one of the Bay’s most beloved and compassionate figures. Over twenty years, Sally navigated love, loss, and personal growth, evolving into a strong, empathetic teacher whose guidance shaped the lives of countless characters. Her storylines spanned adolescence, adulthood, and motherhood, making her a generational touchstone for viewers.

Ritchie exited the show in 2008, briefly returning in 2013 for a short arc. Since then, she has become a household name on radio, co-hosting Fitzy & Wippa and maintaining a beloved public presence—but Summer Bay fans have continued to hold out hope for a return to the world that made her famous.

Now, thanks to Meagher’s public endorsement, that hope has been reignited.

A Hint of What Could Be

During the interview, co-host Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli cheekily suggested that Sally might follow Brax and Ricky’s highly anticipated return in 2026. “You’ve never clearly said no!” Wippa pressed, drawing nervous laughter from Ritchie. Meagher, however, didn’t hesitate. Seated beside Ritchie, he made it clear that he would consider raising the idea with producers, noting that in a series no stranger to legacy returns, such a conversation could be pivotal.

The significance of Meagher’s statement cannot be overstated. Home and Away has a rich history of bringing back beloved characters for milestone storylines, anniversaries, or pivotal arcs. Alf advocating for Sally signals that the show might be on the cusp of something extraordinary, blending nostalgia with high-stakes drama to captivate both longtime viewers and a new generation of fans.

Why Sally Fletcher Still Matters

Sally Fletcher wasn’t just another character in Home and Away. She was, and continues to be, the heart of Summer Bay. From her earliest days as a schoolgirl to her later years as a teacher and mother, Sally’s presence provided moral grounding and emotional resonance, both on-screen and off.

Her relationship with Alf Stewart was one of the show’s most enduring and heartfelt dynamics. Whether navigating town crises, personal struggles, or community upheavals, Alf and Sally represented the kind of deep, multi-generational bond rarely seen on daytime television. For viewers, their reunion is more than a storyline—it’s a return to the emotional core of the series.

In a 2025 interview, Meagher reflected on the importance of Sally’s potential return. “I’d have a yarn with [the producers],” he said, smiling. “Just this once.” The simplicity of the remark belies its weight: Meagher is not known for breaking protocol lightly, making this declaration all the more compelling for fans eager to see Alf and Sally share screen time once again.

The Timing Couldn’t Be Better

As Home and Away gears up for its 2026 run, producers are reportedly planning high-stakes, dramatic episodes designed to captivate audiences and generate buzz. From devastating natural disasters to tense love triangles and shocking returns, the Bay is poised for a season of unprecedented drama. Introducing Sally Fletcher into this mix could provide a perfect counterbalance—bringing warmth, heart, and a sense of continuity to the increasingly volatile storylines.

Her return would also align with other major developments in 2026, such as the highly anticipated return of Brax and Ricky and the escalating River Boys storyline. Summer Bay is on the verge of a transformative year, and Sally’s presence could act as a stabilizing force amid chaos, offering emotional resonance to both longtime fans and newer viewers.

Fan Reactions: A Wave of Excitement

Unsurprisingly, news of Meagher’s public advocacy has set social media ablaze. Fans across Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit have been speculating, sharing hopes, and reminiscing about classic Alf-and-Sally moments. Many are calling for an epic reunion storyline that honors the characters’ shared history while introducing fresh challenges and drama.

Comments range from excited nostalgia—“Sally Fletcher walking back into Summer Bay? My heart can’t take it!”—to more strategic speculation about potential storylines. Could Sally return to mentor a new generation of Summer Bay residents? Could her return intersect with major events, like the River Boys’ criminal entanglements or the drama surrounding Brax and Ricky? Fans are buzzing with possibilities, and producers may be paying close attention to the frenzy.

Legacy, Heart, and the Future of Summer Bay

Beyond nostalgia, Sally Fletcher represents legacy—a living link to the show’s origins and its most formative storylines. Her return would reinforce Home and Away’s commitment to honoring its past while evolving for a modern audience. Alf Stewart advocating for Sally’s return adds weight to this potential storyline, signaling a heartfelt alignment between the show’s history and its future.

The potential impact is enormous. Not only would it delight longtime viewers, but it would also attract media attention and reignite interest in the Bay’s vibrant, interconnected community of characters. Alf and Sally’s reunion could serve as the emotional anchor for the entire 2026 season, providing a reminder of why Home and Away has remained a beloved institution for decades.

Could 2026 Finally Be the Year?

While no official confirmation has been made, the stage is set. Ray Meagher’s rare public plea, combined with ongoing speculation about major 2026 storylines, hints that Sally Fletcher’s return is not only possible but increasingly likely. If producers seize the opportunity, viewers could witness one of the most celebrated and heartfelt reunions in Home and Away history.

For fans who have dreamed of seeing Alf and Sally share the screen once again, the thought of a 2026 reunion is almost too tantalizing to bear. Could the Bay finally welcome back its beloved teacher, friend, and confidante? Only time will tell—but one thing is clear: when Ray Meagher speaks, the Bay listens.

Summer Bay’s shores may soon echo with the laughter, wisdom, and warmth of Sally Fletcher once again—and for longtime fans, it’s a moment worth waiting for.