Home and Away fans, get ready for a seismic shake-up in Summer Bay. In an announcement that has sent shockwaves across the soap opera world, Stephen Peacocke is set to reprise his iconic role as

Darryl “Brax” Braxton. But he won’t be returning alone. Joining him is another fan favourite: Bonnie Sveen as Erica “Ricky” Sharpe. The return of this beloved duo promises to bring a tidal wave of nostalgia,

romance, and high-stakes drama to the small screen in 2026.

A Reunion a Decade in the Making

It’s hard to overstate the impact Brax and Ricky had during their initial runs on the show. Stephen Peacocke and Bonnie Sveen bid farewell to Home and Away back in 2016, with their characters riding off into the sunset with their son Casey, capping off one of the most memorable romances in the show’s history. Fans have been left wondering ever since what adventures the couple has faced outside of Summer Bay. Now, that mystery is about to be revealed.

Peacocke, who left the show more than a decade ago, confirmed his excitement about returning. “I’ll always be grateful to Home and Away for being the launchpad to my career, and I’ve got a sincere appreciation for the fans who’ve followed my work since,” he said. “When the producers asked if I’d revisit Brax, it felt like a fun opportunity – and one I think the audience will really enjoy. Filming in spectacular outback Western Australia is the icing on the cake, and we can’t wait to welcome one lucky UK fan and their guest onto set with us.”

Sveen echoed the sentiment, adding, “Bringing Ricky back wasn’t something I’d ever expected, so I’m beyond thrilled to reunite with Steve and old friends at Home and Away. Exploring where Ricky and Brax are now, 10 years on, will make for a very special and compelling storyline – and I can’t wait for our WA filming adventure.”

A Major Event in 2026

This return isn’t just a cameo or short stint; it’s part of a major Home and Away event in 2026. Although full plot details remain under wraps, the episodes promise “high-stakes drama and emotional payoffs set against a stunning backdrop of Western Australia’s rugged outback.” With Peacocke and Sveen at the centre of the story, viewers can expect a perfect storm of romance, tension, and surprises.

Filming is scheduled to take place across Western Australia this October, in partnership with Tourism Western Australia, highlighting the region’s natural beauty. From the sweeping coastline to the dramatic inland terrain, fans are promised a visual spectacle alongside the gripping storyline.

A Behind-the-Scenes Opportunity for Fans

Adding to the excitement, 5 and Tourism Western Australia have launched a competition giving one UK winner and a guest the chance to travel to the Coral Coast and go behind the scenes of the Home and Away set. This eight-night adventure promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing fans to witness the production process and meet the stars in person. It’s a clever move that both promotes the series and showcases the stunning Australian landscape.

Brax and Ricky: Revisiting a Legendary Romance

The return of Brax and Ricky is more than a nostalgic nod. The storyline promises to explore how the couple has evolved over the past ten years, both individually and as a family unit. Fans will finally see the challenges they’ve faced in raising their son, Casey, and how their relationship has weathered the pressures of life outside Summer Bay.

The narrative potential is immense. Brax’s notorious past as a local bad boy, combined with Ricky’s grounded, determined nature, provides fertile ground for drama. Their reunion could see old enemies resurface, new rivalries emerge, and perhaps even a rekindling of the tension that made their romance so compelling in the first place.

The Impact on Summer Bay

Brax’s return is bound to send ripples across the Bay. His presence alone will likely reignite storylines involving long-time residents, including unresolved feuds and lingering romantic tension. Ricky’s return will similarly impact the town’s dynamics, especially as she navigates her role as a mother and a partner alongside Brax. Fans can anticipate emotional confrontations, heartfelt reunions, and the inevitable drama that comes with any Home and Away storyline of this magnitude.

Peacocke’s Perspective: Revisiting Brax

For Stephen Peacocke, reprising Brax is both a professional and personal milestone. “Returning to a character that had such a huge impact on my career and the audience is an incredible opportunity,” he said. “Brax was a character full of depth and complexity – and revisiting him allows us to explore layers we didn’t have time to explore the first time. Fans will get to see him as a father, a partner, and a man who has faced a decade of challenges. That’s exciting to bring to life.”

His remarks suggest that the upcoming episodes will delve deeper into Brax’s psyche than ever before, exploring not just his relationships but also the personal growth he has experienced over the years. This promises a richer, more nuanced portrayal that goes beyond nostalgia.

Sveen’s Take: Ricky’s Evolution

Bonnie Sveen’s return as Ricky is equally significant. “Ricky has grown so much since we last saw her,” Sveen explained. “She’s a mother, a partner, and someone who has had to navigate life’s ups and downs without the safety net of Summer Bay. Bringing her back allows us to explore how she balances all these roles, while reconnecting with the people and the town that shaped her early years.”

The actress teased that fans will witness a storyline packed with “emotional payoffs, laughter, and tension,” suggesting that the Brax-Ricky narrative will not just focus on romance but also on the realities of family life, community ties, and personal identity.

A Tourism Partnership and Spectacular Backdrop

The partnership with Tourism Western Australia adds another layer of intrigue. By situating these landmark episodes in the rugged outback, the show is not only delivering a dramatic storyline but also showcasing the country’s breathtaking scenery. Fans can expect cinematic shots of wide-open landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and intimate moments set against the raw beauty of WA’s wilderness.

This collaboration also demonstrates the show’s commitment to innovation and creating a spectacle for viewers. By integrating real locations and involving tourism initiatives, Home and Away elevates these episodes from a typical soap storyline to a full-scale television event.

What Fans Can Expect

With filming underway and the cast returning, anticipation among fans is at an all-time high. The return of Brax and Ricky promises:

• A reunion that explores the couple’s life 10 years on, including their relationship with son Casey.
• High-stakes drama that tests the bonds of family and community in Summer Bay.
• Emotional confrontations, nostalgic callbacks, and unexpected twists.
• A visually stunning backdrop that takes advantage of Western Australia’s rugged landscapes.
• Opportunities for fans to engage with the production through behind-the-scenes experiences.

The combination of nostalgia, star power, and high production values ensures that this 2026 event will be one of the most memorable in Home and Away history.

Conclusion

The return of Brax and Ricky marks a major milestone for Home and Away, blending beloved characters, high-stakes drama, and spectacular locations. Fans will finally discover what the couple has been up to since leaving Summer Bay a decade ago, while also witnessing fresh challenges and emotional payoffs that promise to captivate audiences old and new.

As filming in Western Australia begins and the countdown to 2026 continues, one thing is clear: Brax is back, Ricky is back, and Summer Bay will never be the same. This landmark event is set to redefine the boundaries of soap opera storytelling, proving once again why Home and Away remains an enduring favourite with audiences around the world.