For fans of the long-running Australian soap Home and Away, the love story between Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart has become one of

the most heart-warming off-screen romances to emerge from the beloved series in recent years. Now, the actress has opened up about the unforgettable moment

her co-star and partner asked her to spend the rest of her life with him—revealing a deeply personal and romantic proposal that took place on the most fitting day of all: Valentine’s Day.

The 48-year-old star recently reflected on the milestone moment, recalling how Stewart’s carefully planned surprise left her emotional and delighted. Although she had a feeling a proposal might happen at some point, she admitted the timing completely caught her off guard.

“I knew it was coming, but I didn’t know when,” Nicodemou explained when discussing the proposal. What began as a simple romantic evening quickly turned into one of the most memorable moments of her life.

The couple had planned to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a quiet dinner together. But before heading to the restaurant, Stewart suggested taking a brief stroll—something that seemed innocent enough at the time. According to Nicodemou, the actor proposed they visit a location that held sentimental meaning for both of them.

What she didn’t realize was that Stewart had carefully orchestrated the moment.

“We were already going to dinner for Valentine’s Day, and Jimmy suggested that we go for a little walk first, to our favourite spot and have a kiss,” she recalled warmly. “That’s where he surprised me by going down on one knee.”

The romantic gesture instantly transformed the evening. As Stewart knelt before her, Nicodemou said she felt overwhelmed by the sincerity of the moment.

“It was very special,” she said simply—yet the words barely capture the emotional impact of the proposal.

The engagement quickly became public when Stewart shared a touching video of the moment on social media. In the clip, the actor is seen speaking heartfelt words to Nicodemou as he kneels in front of her, clearly emotional as he asks her to marry him. The actress, visibly moved, responds by leaning down and embracing him before sealing the moment with a joyful kiss.

But perhaps the most touching detail came moments later.

Friends and family members who had secretly gathered nearby suddenly erupted in cheers when Nicodemou accepted the proposal. The spontaneous celebration added an extra layer of joy to the already magical occasion, turning the intimate moment into a shared memory with their closest loved ones.

Following the proposal, the couple posed for photographs together, with Nicodemou proudly displaying the dazzling diamond engagement ring Stewart had chosen. The stunning piece immediately caught the attention of fans online, who flooded the couple’s social media accounts with congratulatory messages.

For viewers of Home and Away, the engagement felt almost like a storyline come to life. Both actors have spent years portraying complex romantic journeys on screen—Nicodemou as Leah Patterson and Stewart as Justin Morgan. Ironically, their characters’ dramatic relationship arcs once kept them apart in fictional storylines, making their real-life romance all the more captivating.

Yet Nicodemou has been quick to clarify that their on-screen love story did not spark their relationship.

In fact, she previously emphasized that the characters’ wedding storyline was purely coincidental and had nothing to do with their real-life romance. According to the actress, their connection developed naturally over time, after years of working together and building a strong friendship.

The couple publicly confirmed their relationship in mid-2024 after months of speculation among fans and media outlets. Rumors first began circulating when they were spotted sharing an affectionate moment during Anzac Day celebrations earlier that year.

Not long after, Nicodemou addressed the speculation during an interview, confirming that she and Stewart were indeed a couple.

“Jimmy and I are together, yes,” she said at the time, describing the relationship as both unexpected and exciting. “It’s only early days. It’s very recent and unexpected. I’m super happy. It’s really lovely.”

Ada Nicodemou has shared the sweet details of the day James Stewart got down on one knee to ask for her hand in marriage. Both pictured

Their relationship came after significant personal transitions for both actors. Nicodemou had ended her relationship with former partner Adam Rigby shortly before Christmas, while Stewart finalized his divorce from actress Sarah Roberts in March 2024.

Despite those challenging life changes, the pair found comfort and companionship in one another—something Nicodemou says has been a tremendous source of happiness.

One of the unique aspects of their relationship is that they continue to work together every day on the set of Home and Away. For many couples, mixing work and personal life can be complicated, but Nicodemou says it has actually strengthened their bond.

“I’m very lucky that I go home to my scene partner,” she explained. “We can talk out anything we need to talk about, run through our lines together if we need to.”

But she emphasized that their relationship is not solely defined by their professional lives.

“We can also forget about all of that and just be with each other,” she added. “It’s good.”

That balance between work and romance appears to be one of the secrets behind their happiness. Being able to support each other creatively while also sharing life outside the spotlight has allowed their relationship to grow in a natural and meaningful way.

As for the wedding itself, Nicodemou remained somewhat tight-lipped about specific details. However, she did hint that the couple has already begun exploring possible venues and considering what kind of celebration they want to share with family and friends.

For now, the focus seems to be on enjoying their engagement and embracing this joyful new chapter together.

Their love story—built on friendship, trust, and years of shared experiences—has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom have followed both actors’ careers for decades. In an industry where relationships often face intense scrutiny, Nicodemou and Stewart’s romance feels refreshingly genuine.

And if the Valentine’s Day proposal is any indication, their journey together is only just beginning.

From a quiet walk to a life-changing question, the moment that Stewart dropped to one knee will undoubtedly remain one of the most cherished memories in their story—a story that, much like the dramatic narratives of Home and Away, continues to unfold in the most unexpected and beautiful ways.