Summer Bay is about to explode with drama once again. Channel 7 has officially confirmed that Home and Away will return to Australian screens on January 19th, 2026,

and fans are already bracing themselves for what promises to be the most intense season in years. After last night’s explosive finale, viewers were left gripping their seats as

the show ended on a catastrophic cliffhanger — a train derailment en route to the Broken Hill music festival that left several beloved characters in peril.

The final moments of the 2025 season saw Remy, Mac, and others lying unconscious amidst twisted wreckage, a terrifying sight that left fans questioning who would survive. The series opens in 2026 with emergency crews, led by Cash, David, Tane, and Levi, racing against the clock to rescue survivors from the crumbling train. The stakes could not be higher as every second counts, and the tension is amplified by the fear that loved ones may have been trapped inside. Early glimpses suggest that these opening episodes will test the courage, loyalty, and limits of the residents of Summer Bay like never before.

But the drama doesn’t stop there. Adding an extra layer of excitement, the new season marks the long-awaited return of Brax and Ricky, arguably two of the show’s most iconic characters. The couple, whose departure in 2016 left fans heartbroken, will now step back into the Bay for a storyline that promises to shake the very foundation of the town. Their comeback has already generated a frenzy among fans, with social media buzzing over how these fan favorites will reintegrate into Summer Bay life after nearly a decade away.

For newcomers, a quick refresher is essential. Daryl “Brax” Braxton first stormed into Summer Bay in 2011 alongside his brothers Heath and Casey, collectively known as the River Boys. Brax quickly gained a reputation as both a fearless surfer and a formidable tough guy, whose charm and complexity made him an instant fan favorite. Ricky Sharp, introduced in 2013 as the younger sister of Adam Sharp — a sworn enemy of the River Boys — initially found herself entangled in schemes against Brax. However, as their paths intertwined, she and Brax unexpectedly fell in love. Their relationship endured heartbreak, prison stints, and even Ricky’s marriage to another man, yet their bond remained unbroken, cementing them as one of the soap’s most enduring pairings.

The return of Brax and Ricky is more than just nostalgia. According to sources, their storylines this season will explore the consequences of time apart, personal growth, and unresolved tensions that still linger after their dramatic exit. Audiences can expect a rollercoaster of emotions — romance, rivalry, and the unmistakable mix of danger and passion that made their earlier storylines so compelling. The producers have made it clear that the duo’s comeback will be central to the 2026 narrative, with their presence influencing both new and returning characters.

Channel 7 wasted no time releasing a teaser trailer for the season, providing fans with a first look at the chaos that unfolds after the train derailment. Viewers are treated to nail-biting scenes of rescue operations, as David, Cash, Tane, and Levi navigate the wreckage while trying to save those trapped inside. The opening episodes are expected to blend high-stakes suspense with the emotional depth that has always defined Home and Away, creating a gripping introduction to the season.

The trailer also teases the highly anticipated reunion of Brax and Ricky, offering glimpses of their dynamic as they return to the Bay. Both characters are poised to bring a fresh energy while also reconnecting with old allies and adversaries. Fans will witness how a decade away has changed them — and whether their relationship can survive the challenges Summer Bay will undoubtedly throw their way.

Actor Steve Peacock, who portrays Brax, has previously shared his excitement and nerves about reprising the role. “I get nervous all the time,” he admitted in a recent interview. “There’s never a day I come home and think I’ve nailed it. But returning now, after ten years, it feels like the right moment. It’s like coming home — and the audience will feel that energy too.” His co-star, portraying Ricky, has echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the emotional resonance of revisiting characters so deeply loved by viewers. Their return is set to be one of the season’s most significant draws, bringing together longtime fans and enticing new viewers into the intricate world of Summer Bay.

Beyond the high-octane drama and emotional stakes, the 2026 season promises to explore the long-term impact of the train disaster. How will survivors cope with trauma? Which relationships will strengthen, and which will fracture under the pressure? The writers have crafted a storyline that intertwines life-or-death suspense with deeply personal journeys, ensuring that the audience remains invested not only in the immediate outcome but also in the ongoing evolution of Summer Bay’s residents.

The combination of a catastrophic opening storyline, the return of Brax and Ricky, and the introduction of fresh dramatic arcs signals that 2026 will be a season for the ages. It is a bold move by Channel 7, reinforcing Home and Away’s enduring appeal while demonstrating a willingness to push boundaries and embrace high-stakes storytelling.

As the countdown continues to the premiere on January 19th, 2026, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Fans are eager to see who survives the train derailment, how the Bay’s community will respond, and how the long-awaited return of Brax and Ricky will reshape the landscape of Summer Bay. This season promises suspense, heartbreak, romance, and unforgettable twists, solidifying Home and Away’s status as one of Australia’s most enduring and compelling soaps.

The return of Brax and Ricky is not merely a comeback — it’s a redefinition of Summer Bay for the 2026 season, where danger lurks around every corner, emotions run high, and the heart of the Bay beats stronger than ever. For fans old and new, one thing is certain: this is the Home and Away season you absolutely cannot miss.