After more than three decades as the beating heart of Summer Bay, Ray Meagher, the longest-serving cast member of Home and Away, has confirmed that he will officially depart

the beloved soap later this year. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the fan community, with many describing the news as “the end of an era” and expressing disbelief that

the familiar face of Alf Stewart will finally leave the Bay.

A Legendary Run

Ray Meagher first stepped into the iconic role of Alf Stewart when Home and Away premiered in 1988. From the very beginning, Alf became more than just a character; he was the moral compass, the voice of reason, and the anchor around which the chaotic lives of Summer Bay residents revolved. Known for his dry wit, big heart, and unforgettable catchphrases, Alf Stewart quickly cemented himself as a cornerstone of Australian television.

Over the decades, Alf has guided viewers through heartbreak, family drama, romance, and comedy. From navigating the tragedies that befell his family to providing sage advice to generations of younger residents, Alf has been a steady, grounding presence in a world of soap operatics, scandals, and ever-changing storylines. For many, he wasn’t just a character on a screen — he was like an extended family member, always there for moments of joy and sorrow alike.

With Meagher’s exit confirmed, Home and Away faces the end of a chapter that has spanned more than three decades. The show is losing not only a character, but the very anchor that has held Summer Bay together through countless trials and tribulations.

Why Ray Is Leaving

Production insiders say that Meagher’s decision comes after thoughtful reflection, particularly as he recently celebrated his 80th birthday. While his passion for the show remains undiminished, Meagher has expressed that it is simply the right time to step back and allow new storylines, characters, and voices to take center stage.

In a heartfelt statement to fans, Meagher reflected on his extraordinary journey:

“It’s been the privilege of my career to play Alf Stewart for so long. But I feel the time is right to step away and let new stories shine. I’ll always carry Summer Bay in my heart, and I’m so grateful to the fans who’ve supported me all these years.”

His words, tinged with both pride and wistfulness, underline the profound bond Meagher has shared with his character and the show’s audience. For him, stepping away is not simply a career decision; it is the closing of a life chapter that has defined both his personal and professional life.

A Poignant Exit

Details of Alf Stewart’s final storyline are being closely guarded by the production team, but sources suggest it will be a dramatic, emotional, and ultimately respectful farewell. The writers and producers are reportedly determined to honor both Alf’s legacy and Meagher’s decades of commitment to the role. Insiders promise that viewers can expect nostalgic callbacks to key moments in Alf’s history, poignant reunions with beloved characters, and heartfelt farewells that reflect the wisdom, humor, and humanity Alf has embodied for more than thirty years.

Whether Alf’s departure will involve moving away to embrace a quieter life or unfold in a more tearful, emotionally charged scenario remains a mystery. What is certain, however, is that the farewell will be crafted to leave a lasting impact, both on the show and on its audience.

Fans React

The news of Meagher’s exit has already flooded social media, with tributes pouring in from fans across Australia and beyond. Thousands have shared their grief, many highlighting how Alf Stewart — and Meagher himself — shaped their experience of the soap over decades.

“I can’t imagine the Bay without Alf — Ray is the reason I started watching,” wrote one fan. Another shared, “This feels like losing family. Thank you, Ray, for everything.”

The response has underscored the profound cultural impact of Meagher’s work. For generations of viewers, Alf Stewart has not only been a fixture in the fictional world of Summer Bay but a comforting, familiar presence through changing times in the real world.

A Legacy Beyond the Bay

Ray Meagher’s contribution to television is unparalleled. Holding the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving actor in an Australian television series, Meagher’s portrayal of Alf Stewart spans generations. Over the years, he has garnered multiple Logie Awards and critical acclaim, solidifying his status as a cultural icon.

Alf Stewart’s character has left an indelible mark, from his witty one-liners to his unwavering moral compass. He has navigated heartbreak, marital strife, and family feuds while maintaining an authentic, grounded presence that has endeared him to millions. His departure represents not just the end of a character arc but a seismic shift in the landscape of Home and Away.

What This Means for Home and Away

The departure of such a central figure will inevitably have ripple effects across Summer Bay. Alf Stewart has been the connective tissue of the show, linking generations of characters and storylines. His absence will challenge writers and producers to find new ways to anchor the narrative and maintain the emotional resonance that fans have come to expect.

For viewers, this moment marks a turning point. It is an opportunity to reflect on decades of storytelling, celebrate the legacy of Alf Stewart, and prepare for a future where Summer Bay will evolve without one of its most beloved figures. The emotional weight of this transition cannot be understated. For some fans, Alf’s farewell may be the hardest they’ve experienced in soap history.

Looking Ahead

Ray Meagher’s decision to leave does not diminish the cultural impact he has had. Alf Stewart will forever remain a symbol of resilience, humor, and enduring humanity in the often tumultuous world of Summer Bay. His departure is a reminder of the profound role that long-running characters play in our lives, bridging fiction and reality, nostalgia and contemporary storytelling.

As 2025 progresses, audiences will watch with bated breath, anticipating the moments that will define Alf Stewart’s final days in Summer Bay. From emotional reunions to heartfelt monologues and reflections on a life well-lived, Meagher’s exit promises to honor both the character and the actor who brought him to life with such passion and authenticity.

For Ray Meagher, the journey of Alf Stewart has been a career-defining adventure, one that has spanned decades, captured hearts, and left an indelible mark on Australian television. As he prepares to step away, the message to fans is clear: the legacy of Alf Stewart — and the man who made him unforgettable — will endure long after the final scene fades to black.

2025 will forever be remembered as a watershed year for Home and Away, as it bids farewell to its most iconic character and the actor who embodied him with warmth, humor, and unshakable heart. Fans, critics, and fellow actors alike will watch, celebrate, and, inevitably, weep as Ray Meagher closes the final chapter on one of television’s greatest legacies.