For over a quarter of a century, Ada Nicodemou has been a staple of Australian television, captivating audiences as Leah Patterson on Home and Away. Since joining the cast in 2000,

Ada has not only become one of the show’s most beloved actors but has also built a life off-screen filled with triumphs, heartache, and love. Now, fans are finally getting a glimpse

into her romantic life with co-star James Stewart, and the story is as heartfelt as it is compelling.

A Career Built on Dedication

Ada Nicodemou’s journey in Home and Away has been remarkable. For 25 years, she has breathed life into Leah Patterson, navigating the show’s countless storylines with a combination of strength, vulnerability, and authenticity that has won her a devoted fan base. Alongside her career, Ada has pursued multiple endeavors, including authoring a book and engaging in philanthropic campaigns, demonstrating her commitment to both her craft and her community.

Her long-standing role on Home and Away has not only defined her professional life but has also been intertwined with her personal journey, including her path as a mother, wife, and, more recently, a woman finding love again.

Personal Heartbreak and Strength

Off-screen, Ada has faced profound personal challenges. She married restaurateur Chrys Xipolitas in 2007, and together they welcomed their son, Johnas, in August 2012. However, the couple endured an unimaginable tragedy when their second son, Harrison, was stillborn shortly thereafter. In candid remarks shared on Tiffiny Hall’s Bounce Forward podcast, Ada described the experience as “the lowest time in my life” and “like a horror film.”

“I couldn’t believe it was happening to me. It was like this weird movie that you can’t get out of. It took me a long time; I don’t think you ever get over it,” she recalled. Despite the grief, Ada found strength in her young son Johnas, who was just two years old at the time. “I think what got me through is Johnas, to be honest. I had a two-year-old I had to look after… He gave me the courage to wake up every day and keep moving forward.”

Sadly, the couple split in 2015, leaving Ada to focus on raising her son and continuing her long-standing role on Home and Away. Yet, even amidst heartbreak, life had a new chapter in store for her.

A Sweet Romance Blossoms

It was on the set of Home and Away that Ada would find love again, this time with co-star James Stewart, who portrays Justin Morgan on the long-running soap. After years of professional camaraderie and mutual respect, the pair’s relationship blossomed into romance, marking a new and joyful chapter in Ada’s life.

The couple made their public debut at the 2024 TV Week Logie Awards, held at The Star in Sydney. The red carpet moment was unforgettable: Ada dazzled in a classic black satin gown, exuding elegance and confidence, while James complemented her in a stylish velvet tuxedo. The pair’s chemistry was undeniable, drawing the admiration of fans and media alike.

In April 2025, Ada opened up to Stellar Magazine about their relationship, revealing: “It’s been a really lovely year together. I don’t like to post a lot of stuff about us online, but at the same time, I’m really proud of the last year we’ve had, and wanted to share that.” The actress’s measured approach to publicizing the romance highlights her desire to balance privacy with the joy of sharing happiness with fans.

Reflections on Her Past Marriage

Ada has also been open about her split from Chrys, acknowledging the profound impact of the couple’s tragedy. “We will never be the same people we were, and I hate that,” she told New Idea at the time of their separation. Years later, reflecting on the loss, Ada described the enduring void left by Harrison’s passing: “Life will never be the same again; there will obviously be a hole in your heart. We will always remember that child and what could have been,” she shared with Stellar Magazine in 2019.

Her openness about grief, healing, and moving forward adds a layer of depth to her public persona, showing fans that behind the glamour and success lies a woman who has navigated immense personal challenges.

Lifelong Friendships on Set

Beyond romance, Ada has also cultivated strong, lasting friendships on set. She has developed a particularly close bond with fellow Home and Away veteran Lynne McGranger, who plays Irene Roberts. “We still don’t get sick of each other,” Ada told The Australian Women’s Weekly. “We see each other outside of work, we’ve gone on holidays together. We have lunch together, we go for walks together. Jimmy [Stewart, their co-star] is in the dressing room next door, and he’s like, ‘You two just don’t shut up, do you?’”

The camaraderie among the cast has translated into meaningful collaborations beyond the screen. In 2022, Ada and Lynne teamed up to launch the ‘Breast Friends’ campaign, encouraging women to undergo regular breast cancer screenings. Lynne emphasized the campaign’s life-saving message: “It doesn’t matter what age you are – you need to check your breasts. Early detection is critical.” The initiative highlighted both actresses’ commitment to using their platform for advocacy and public awareness.

Balancing Family, Career, and Love

Throughout her journey, Ada Nicodemou has managed to balance an intensive acting career with motherhood, personal recovery, and the excitement of a new romance. Her relationship with James Stewart reflects not just the spark of newfound love but also the stability and understanding that can develop between long-time colleagues who know each other intimately, both on and off camera.

Fans are particularly drawn to the couple’s down-to-earth approach. Despite working in a high-profile industry, Ada and James maintain a degree of privacy, choosing to celebrate personal milestones with warmth rather than spectacle. Their relationship resonates as authentic, highlighting a romance built on shared experiences, mutual respect, and genuine affection.

A Look Forward

As Ada and James continue their relationship, viewers can anticipate seeing subtle glimpses of their off-screen chemistry in upcoming Home and Away storylines. While both maintain professional boundaries on set, their bond enriches the show’s atmosphere, adding layers of camaraderie and trust that translate into performances.

Meanwhile, Ada continues to champion meaningful causes, nurture her son, and contribute to one of Australia’s most iconic television shows. Her life story—marked by enduring professional success, personal loss, and newfound love—offers an inspiring narrative of resilience, growth, and hope.

Conclusion: A Life Well-Lived, On and Off Screen

Ada Nicodemou’s journey is a testament to strength, perseverance, and the power of love. From navigating personal tragedy to finding happiness with James Stewart, and maintaining decades-long friendships and advocacy work, she embodies the spirit of dedication both on and off screen.

For fans of Home and Away, Ada’s story is a reminder that life’s most compelling narratives often unfold away from the cameras. As she continues to balance motherhood, romance, and a celebrated career, viewers can look forward to witnessing not only her professional achievements but also the heartwarming developments of her personal life, which continue to captivate and inspire.