Next week on Home and Away in the UK, Summer Bay is once again hit by heartbreak as beloved resident Roo Stewart faces a painful farewell. In a deeply emotional storyline,

Roo says goodbye to young Cohen, the foster son who has become like family. The tearful scenes mark one of the most touching moments of the season — a bittersweet reminder of the love,

loss, and resilience that define life in the Bay. After months of nurturing, teaching, and caring for Cohen, Roo’s time as his foster mother comes to an emotional close when his biological father,

Adrien, re-enters his life. What begins as a tentative reconnection soon turns into a tug-of-war of emotions, as both Adrien and Roo struggle to do what’s best for the boy they both love.

Cohen’s journey in Summer Bay began with uncertainty, but under Roo’s care, he found stability and affection. Now, as Adrien steps forward to claim his role as father, Roo is forced to confront one of the hardest truths a foster parent can face — that sometimes love means letting go.

At first, things seem to be going well. Adrien and Cohen are bonding more every day, sharing laughs and discovering their similarities. Adrien, initially hesitant about returning to Cohen’s life, begins to embrace fatherhood with renewed confidence. It’s a heartwarming change — one Roo encourages, even though it secretly breaks her heart.

However, tension rises when Adrien invites Cohen to a family gathering — his grandmother’s upcoming birthday party. Roo worries that it might be too much too soon, fearing that Cohen could be overwhelmed by meeting so many new relatives at once. But Adrien insists it’s the perfect opportunity, a chance for his son to see where he comes from and to meet the people who’ve been waiting to welcome him.

Alf, ever protective of Roo, grows suspicious of Adrien’s intentions. He voices concern that Adrien might be planning to take full custody of Cohen, leaving Roo out of his life entirely. Roo, though hurt by the thought, chooses to believe Adrien when he says that’s not the case — that he simply wants to rebuild a relationship with his son.

Still, when Roo and Adrien take a walk to discuss Cohen’s progress, the conversation takes a surprising turn. Adrien admits that their earlier talks gave him the courage to dream bigger — and that he now wants Cohen to live with him permanently. The words hit Roo like a storm. She hides her shock behind a brave smile, knowing deep down this day might come, but hoping it wouldn’t be so soon.

When Adrien later arrives to collect Cohen for the party, he brings up the idea directly, asking his son if he’d like to move in with him full-time. The question catches Cohen completely off guard. After a long silence, he shakes his head and softly says he doesn’t think he can. Adrien’s face falls, and his disappointment quickly turns to frustration. Convinced Roo has influenced Cohen’s decision, he lashes out at her, accusing her of turning his son against him.

Alf immediately steps in, his voice firm but compassionate. He reminds Adrien that Roo has done nothing but support him and that his own impatience — not Roo’s influence — is what pushed Cohen away. The confrontation diffuses some of Adrien’s anger, but the emotional damage lingers.

Later, Roo sits with Cohen, who tearfully admits that he only said no because he didn’t want to hurt her. “I don’t want you to be lonely,” he whispers. It’s a moment that brings Roo to tears, but with quiet strength, she assures him that he doesn’t have to choose between them. “Sweetheart,” she says gently, “you don’t need to worry about me. You can make whatever decision feels right for you.”

Roo’s selflessness becomes the turning point. When Adrien returns to collect Cohen for their trip, Cohen surprises everyone. With a shy smile, he announces that he’s decided to move in with his dad after all — and that he’s already packed his things. The air grows heavy as Roo and Alf realize that this is it. The goodbye they’ve been dreading has arrived.

In a scene that will no doubt leave viewers in tears, Cohen thanks Roo and Alf for everything they’ve done for him. He promises he’ll never forget their kindness, their patience, and the sense of home they gave him when he had nowhere else to go. Alf, always the father figure, gifts Cohen a fishing rod — a simple but meaningful reminder of their time together by the water.

Roo, fighting back tears, tells Cohen that he’s about to embark on an incredible new adventure, meeting his family and discovering who he truly is. Cohen smiles and assures her that she and Alf will always be part of his family too. “You’ll always be in my heart,” he tells her softly.

As Adrien and Cohen step toward the door, Cohen suddenly stops. He drops his bag, turns around, and rushes back into Roo’s arms. The hug is long, fierce, and heartbreaking. “I’ll always remember you,” he says, his voice trembling. “Just like I remember my mum, Samantha.” Alf, standing nearby, struggles to maintain his composure as tears well in his eyes.

When the door finally closes behind them, silence fills the Stewart house. For a long moment, Roo stands still, staring at the door, before collapsing into tears. The weight of goodbye hits her all at once — the grief, the love, the emptiness. It’s a powerful moment that captures the emotional cost of fostering, the bravery it takes to open your heart, and the pain of watching a child you love walk away.

After losing her first foster child, Eliza, Roo had vowed never to get too attached again. But Cohen changed that. He reminded her why she opened her home in the first place — to give love where it’s needed most. Now, she’s left wondering whether she’ll ever be strong enough to do it again.

As Summer Bay watches Roo face yet another loss, fans are left with one haunting question: can she find the courage to open her heart again?

In true Home and Away fashion, Roo’s emotional exit isn’t just a farewell — it’s a reflection on family, resilience, and the bittersweet beauty of letting go. Her goodbye to Cohen is one of the show’s most moving moments to date, proving once again that in Summer Bay, love always comes with heartbreak… but it’s always worth it.