After nearly forty years of sunshine, storms, and stories that defined Australian television, Home and Away is preparing to say its final goodbye. Channel Seven has confirmed that

the long-running soap will conclude in 2027, bringing an end to one of the most enduring dramas in TV history. The announcement, made quietly during an internal production meeting last week,

has sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry. For fans, it marks the loss of a cultural institution. For the cast — many of whom have spent decades in Summer Bay — it’s nothing short of heartbreaking.

Ray Meagher, who has played Alf Stewart since the show’s very first episode in 1988, spoke candidly about the end. “It’s been the ride of a lifetime,” he said. “We’ve seen generations grow up with us, fall in love, cry, and laugh along with the Bay. Saying goodbye will be like closing the door on a second home.”

Ada Nicodemou (Leah Patterson-Baker) fought back tears as she shared her feelings on social media:

“This show gave me my family, my lifelong friends, and the best memories of my career. I don’t think we’ll ever see anything like Home and Away again. It’s part of who I am.”

Other cast members, including Emily Symons (Marilyn Chambers) and James Stewart (Justin Morgan), echoed the sentiment, calling the news “bittersweet” and “heart-shattering.”

Behind the decision lies a combination of factors — shifting audience trends, production costs, and the rise of streaming platforms that have changed the way viewers engage with long-form storytelling. Channel Seven executives are reportedly planning a “grand farewell season” to honour the show’s legacy and the millions of fans who have followed it faithfully since its debut.

Rumours suggest that the final year will feature the return of several beloved former cast members — including the likes of Kate Ritchie, Isabel Lucas, and Melissa George — for a spectacular closing arc that celebrates every era of the series.

Industry insiders also hint at a potential documentary and reunion special, capturing behind-the-scenes memories and paying tribute to the crew who brought Summer Bay to life.

Fans across the world have taken to social media to express their emotions. One post read, “It’s like losing a friend we’ve grown up with,” while another simply said, “Home and Away raised us.”

As the countdown begins to 2027, the mood on set is said to be emotional but grateful. Many of the actors plan to stay until the very end, determined to give the show a farewell worthy of its legacy.

“Summer Bay will live on in people’s hearts long after the cameras stop rolling,” said Meagher. “That’s the real magic of Home and Away.”

After nearly forty years on air, can Australian television ever truly fill the void that Home and Away will leave behind?

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