Love has taken center stage for Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart, and the real-life romance unfolding behind the scenes of Home and Away has delivered

a moment so cinematic it could have been scripted for primetime. Just a day after Stewart dropped to one knee on Valentine’s Day, Nicodemou stepped

out glowing, proudly presenting the dazzling symbol of their commitment as the newly engaged couple gathered with loved ones for an intimate barbecue celebration.

If the proposal was the emotional crescendo, Sunday became the radiant encore.

 

A Ring That Sparked a Frenzy

The jewel in question immediately ignited conversation. Flashing brilliantly in the afternoon sun, the classic solitaire diamond — perched on what experts believe to be an 18-carat yellow gold band — dominated every frame of the couple’s celebratory snapshots.

Master jeweller Ernesto Buono, weighing in on the photographs, estimated the stone could sit somewhere between three and four carats. Depending on clarity and cut, that places the ring comfortably in six-figure territory, with valuations potentially climbing toward $150,000.

But beyond price, it was the symbolism that resonated. After a year of quiet speculation, public curiosity, and heartfelt admissions, the ring represented confirmation: this love story is no fleeting chapter.

From Co-Stars to Life Partners

For fans, the engagement lands with an added emotional charge. On screen, Nicodemou’s Leah Patterson and Stewart’s Justin Morgan have already walked the aisle, weathering countless trials in Summer Bay. Off screen, their journey has been more private, though no less dramatic.

Rumours first intensified when the pair were photographed sharing a kiss on Anzac Day in 2024. Months later, Nicodemou described the relationship as unexpected but deeply joyful, emphasising that their fictional marriage had not predicted reality.

Life, it seems, had its own script.

Both stars entered the romance following significant personal transitions — Nicodemou after parting ways with partner Adam Rigby, Stewart after finalising his divorce from Sarah Roberts. What began as friendship slowly evolved, nurtured in the unique environment of long days on set and years of mutual trust.

The Proposal That Melted Hearts

Stewart chose a public declaration, and the footage he later shared radiated unfiltered happiness. Smiling, steady, and clearly emotional, he spoke from the heart before lowering himself onto one knee.

Nicodemou’s response was instantaneous. She leaned in, wrapped him in a kiss, and sealed the moment as friends and family erupted into cheers behind them. Among those celebrating was Stewart’s daughter, Scout, whose presence underscored the merging of two lives, not just two people.

Within minutes of the clip appearing online, congratulatory messages flooded in from fellow performers and industry friends. Tears, heart emojis, and exclamation points filled the comments as the community that has worked beside them for years embraced the milestone.

A Celebration in Red

At the barbecue the following day, Nicodemou leaned fully into the romance of the weekend. She chose a striking red dress, pairing it with dark sunglasses, a luxury watch, and a designer tote. Yet every accessory faded beside the diamond that caught the light each time she lifted her hand.

Stewart opted for relaxed ease — denim cut-offs, an open-neck polo, casual shoes — embodying a man comfortable in joy. Observers noted how frequently the pair reached for one another, laughing, touching, sharing private exchanges even in a crowd.

It was the ease of two people certain of where they stand.

What It Means for Summer Bay

Whenever real-life developments mirror fictional ones, audiences feel the ripple. Viewers who have invested years in Leah and Justin cannot help but experience a thrill knowing the chemistry continues after cameras stop rolling.

Producers have long maintained professionalism on set, and both actors have stressed that their personal relationship grew independently of storylines. Still, the engagement inevitably adds another layer to every shared glance their characters exchange.

For fans, fantasy and reality have intertwined in the most romantic way possible.

A Future Written Together

The couple has not yet revealed wedding plans, but speculation is already rampant. Will co-stars form the guest list? Could Summer Bay inspire the venue? Might Scout play a central role in the ceremony?

Whatever shape the celebration takes, it will arrive backed by a wave of goodwill from viewers who have watched Nicodemou grow up on television and witnessed Stewart carve his own beloved place within the series.

Their union feels earned, authentic, and refreshingly hopeful.

The Last Word

In an industry often dominated by fleeting headlines, this engagement stands out because it is rooted in history — years of partnership, resilience, and friendship blossoming into love.

The ring may be extraordinary, but the story behind it shines even brighter.

And if the cheers that followed that Valentine’s Day proposal are any indication, the next chapter for Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart will be met with the same warmth, devotion, and applause that have accompanied them every step of the way.