For more than two decades, Home and Away has captured the hearts of millions with its sun-drenched beaches, emotional twists, and beloved characters. Yet, sometimes, the magic doesn’t just stay on screen—

it spills into real life. One such beautiful chapter belongs to Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart, two of Summer Bay’s most recognizable faces, whose connection has evolved from co-stars to partners in love.

Ada Nicodemou, a familiar and cherished face on Home and Away, has portrayed the resilient Leah Patterson since 2000. Over 25 years, viewers have seen Leah navigate heartbreak,

loss, and love in the fictional world of Summer Bay. Off-screen, Ada’s life has mirrored some of those same themes—grief, resilience, and the courage to begin anew.

A Journey of Love, Loss, and Resilience

In 2007, Ada married restaurateur Chris Xipolitas, and the couple welcomed their son Jonas in 2012. However, their happiness was tragically overshadowed by the loss of their second son, Harrison, who was delivered stillborn. In a deeply emotional interview on Tiffany Hall’s Bounce Forward podcast, Ada shared that the experience was the darkest period of her life.

“That was definitely the lowest time in my life,” Ada revealed. “It felt like I was outside of my own body—watching this terrible thing happen and unable to stop it. It was like being trapped in a horror film.”

The actress said that her young son Jonas became her anchor through the unimaginable pain. “He gave me a reason to get up every day,” she reflected. “Having a two-year-old to care for gave me the strength I didn’t know I had.”

Sadly, the trauma took a toll on Ada’s marriage, and she and Chris separated in 2015. Despite the heartbreak, Ada found the strength to move forward, focusing on motherhood and her long-standing role on Home and Away.

From Colleagues to Companions: The Beginning of Something Beautiful

As fate would have it, love found Ada once again—this time in the most unexpected place: the Home and Away set. James Stewart, who portrays Justin Morgan, joined the cast in 2016, and the pair quickly became friends. Over time, their chemistry blossomed beyond the cameras, culminating in one of the most talked-about relationships in Australian television circles.

The couple made their red carpet debut at the 2024 TV Week Logie Awards held at The Star in Sydney. Ada looked timelessly elegant in a sleek black satin gown, while James exuded charm in a velvet tuxedo. The two radiated joy, and fans couldn’t help but notice how their connection seemed to transcend the glitz of the event.

In a candid 2025 interview with Stellar magazine, Ada opened up publicly about their romance for the first time. “It’s been a really lovely year together,” she shared warmly. “I don’t post much about us on social media, but I’m really proud of what we’ve built. It’s been special.”

Healing Through Love and Connection

While Ada and James’ on-screen characters have experienced their fair share of heartbreak and drama, off-screen, their relationship has been built on mutual respect, understanding, and shared experiences in the world of entertainment.

Both actors have children from previous relationships—Ada with her son Jonas, and James with his daughter Scout, whom he shares with actress Jessica Marais. Together, they’ve created a blended family dynamic that prioritizes love and balance.

For Ada, finding love again has been part of her journey toward healing. “You don’t ever forget your past,” she told Stellar. “But finding someone who understands you, supports you, and makes you laugh again—it’s a gift.”

Enduring Friendship and Family on Set

Throughout her 25-year tenure on Home and Away, Ada has developed close friendships with many of her castmates, most notably with veteran actress Lynne McGranger, who plays Irene Roberts. The two have formed a sister-like bond both on and off set.

“We’ve been through so much together,” Ada told The Australian Women’s Weekly. “We see each other outside of work all the time. We’ve gone on holidays together, have lunch, go for walks—you name it. We never run out of things to say!”

Lynne fondly joked that their co-star James Stewart, who shares dressing rooms nearby, often teases them for being inseparable. “He’s always saying, ‘You two just don’t shut up, do you?’” Lynne laughed.

In 2022, Ada and Lynne teamed up to launch the Breast Friends campaign, encouraging women to prioritize their health through regular breast cancer screenings. “It doesn’t matter how old you are—check your breasts,” Lynne urged at the time. “Only one in ten women with breast cancer have a family history, which means early detection is vital.”

The Next Chapter: Love, Legacy, and Living Fully

At this stage in her life, Ada is embracing everything that comes her way with gratitude and strength. Her relationship with James Stewart has brought renewed joy and balance to her world, while her career continues to thrive on Home and Away—a show that has been both a professional home and a personal sanctuary for over two decades.

Reflecting on her journey, Ada often speaks about resilience and the importance of finding light after loss. “Life doesn’t always go the way you plan,” she once said. “But if you can find love, laughter, and purpose after pain, then you’ve truly lived.”

Her fans, who have followed Leah Patterson’s emotional ups and downs for years, continue to be inspired by Ada’s own story—a narrative that mirrors the spirit of the show itself: no matter how hard life gets, there’s always hope waiting just around the corner.

As for Ada and James, their romance stands as a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most beautiful love stories are the ones that unfold naturally, beyond the cameras, built on shared laughter, respect, and second chances.

With Home and Away continuing to captivate audiences worldwide, Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart remind fans that even in a world of scripted drama, real-life love stories can be just as powerful—and even more heartwarming.