In a week that left Home and Away fans across Australia in tears, actor Matt Evans has opened up about his shocking departure from the long-running soap — and revealed the alternate ending

he would have loved for his beloved character, Theo Poulos. Theo’s death, one of the most heartbreaking exits in recent Home and Away history, aired during Australia’s latest episodes,

marking the end of an emotional four-year journey for the character. Viewers watched in disbelief as Theo was tragically struck and killed by a car driven by corrupt councillor Craig Wendell,

moments after Cash and Eden’s wedding.

In a devastating act of courage, Theo died saving his girlfriend Lacey, sacrificing his own life to protect her from Wendell’s deadly attempt to silence her. The sequence was intense, beautifully acted, and utterly gut-wrenching — the kind of soap moment that cements itself in viewers’ memories for years to come.

However, Evans has now shared that if he’d had the final say, Theo’s exit might have looked very different. Speaking in a candid interview with Chattr, the actor admitted he had originally hoped for a more optimistic — and far less final — farewell.

“Well, originally, I wanted him to go and pursue a music career,” Evans revealed with a laugh. “That would have been really cool, but that story was already given to Kirby!”

It’s a fitting wish for Theo, whose passion for music defined much of his time in Summer Bay. As the lead singer of the local band Lyrik, Theo found not just his voice but also his confidence, friendship, and purpose. His evolution from a troubled young man to a performing artist was one of the show’s most inspiring arcs in recent years — a story that resonated deeply with audiences and mirrored Evans’s own real-life musical background.

Evans first rose to fame on The Voice Australia in 2020 before landing his breakout acting role on Home and Away a year later. Over four years, his portrayal of Theo transformed the character from a cheeky outsider into a fan favourite. From his heartfelt relationships with Leah and Justin to his romantic journey with Lacey, Theo’s story was filled with vulnerability, warmth, and heart.

Though Evans had dreamed of Theo leaving to chase his musical dreams, he admitted that he ultimately loved the storyline that the writers crafted. “I actually love that it was written that way,” he said of Theo’s tragic death. “It’s quite a heroic way to go out. Once I saw the storyline and found out Theo was going to die, I liked it because I knew it was going to be big — really impactful.”

He continued, “To see the way he goes is really good. He dies a hero.”

And that’s exactly what Theo became in his final moments — a selfless protector whose bravery defined his last act. His death not only left fans reeling but also delivered a massive emotional blow to the Bay’s residents, setting the stage for powerful aftermath scenes that will continue to ripple through upcoming episodes.

Despite the heartbreak of his character’s death, Evans remains at peace with his exit and deeply grateful for the journey he’s had on Home and Away. Speaking directly to the fans, the 28-year-old star offered heartfelt thanks for their unwavering support.

“Thanks so much for the support over the last four years,” he said warmly. “A lot of that positivity and the appreciation for Theo is what kept me going at some points. I really hope everyone enjoyed Theo as much as I did. It was such a great chapter of my life.”

Theo’s storylines often mirrored Evans’s own creative journey — blending his passion for performance with a character who sought redemption, belonging, and purpose. The actor’s natural charm and emotional authenticity helped make Theo one of the most relatable young characters on the show in recent memory.

As for what’s next, Evans has no intention of slowing down. While fans might expect him to return to his musical roots, the actor revealed that acting remains his top priority for now.

“I’ve been back auditioning again and just really enjoying that process,” he told Chattr. “I’m loving it — it feels like it’s really aligning for me right now. That doesn’t mean I’ll never go back to music, but at the moment, acting has been taking priority for me.”

Given Evans’s strong on-screen presence and growing versatility, it’s no surprise that fans are already eager to see where his career goes next. His performance in Theo’s death scenes — raw, emotional, and powerfully understated — has earned widespread praise, with many calling it one of the most moving moments in recent Home and Away history.

For longtime viewers, Theo’s exit also marks the end of an era. Since joining the show in 2021, Evans brought a youthful energy and emotional depth to Summer Bay, forming close bonds with key characters and quickly becoming part of the show’s beating heart.

Theo’s bravery in his final moments — dying to save the woman he loved — felt like the perfect conclusion to his story. His journey from an uncertain outsider to a true hero encapsulated the essence of Home and Away: resilience, community, and love in the face of tragedy.

But Evans’s reflection on an alternate exit reminds fans of the many directions Theo’s story could have taken. A music career abroad, new adventures, or perhaps a dramatic farewell performance with Lyrik — all would have been fitting for a character whose voice, both literally and figuratively, touched so many hearts.

In the end, though, the actor embraces the bittersweet beauty of Theo’s conclusion. “It’s always sad to say goodbye,” he admitted. “But it’s been such an amazing ride, and I’m really proud of what we created together.”

As Home and Away prepares to air Theo’s final scenes in the UK next month, audiences overseas are bracing for the emotional impact Australian viewers have already experienced. His death promises to leave a lasting mark not only on the show’s characters but also on the millions of fans who watched him grow, stumble, and ultimately find redemption.

And while Theo Poulos’s story has come to a tragic close, Matt Evans’s career is only beginning a new — and exciting — chapter. With his talent, charisma, and grounded perspective, it’s clear that this is just the start of a long and successful journey for the former Home and Away star.

As the waves crash on the shores of Summer Bay once more, fans will remember Theo not just as a character who died a hero — but as one who truly lived.