Tensions rise in Summer Bay as fans prepare for a gripping episode of Home and Away airing Monday, September 22, 2025, on Channel 5. Roose Stewart faces one of the toughest challenges of her life:

protecting her foster son, Cohen Luther, from a past that has suddenly returned to disrupt the delicate balance of their lives. With emotions running high, loyalties tested,

and hearts on the line, the coming episode promises to be a rollercoaster of suspense, heartbreak, and family drama.

The episode centers on the unexpected return of Cohen’s biological father, Adrien Purcell, a man who has been absent for years and now appears determined to reconnect with his son. Adrien’s sudden reappearance sends shockwaves through the Steuart household, and his initial meeting with Cohen quickly ends in disaster. Cohen, who has only known Roo as a stable, loving parental figure, is unsettled by the confrontation. Roo, witnessing her foster son’s distress, becomes fiercely protective, vowing to shield him from further emotional harm at all costs.

Adrien’s persistence puts Roo on high alert. Determined to maintain stability in Cohen’s life, she draws a firm line when Adrien shows up unannounced at the Steuart home. The scene escalates into a tense standoff: Adrien demands to see Cohen, while Roo’s anger boils over. In a heated confrontation, she warns him that she will not hesitate to call the authorities if he refuses to leave. Roo’s ferocity reflects a deep maternal instinct and highlights the lengths she is willing to go to protect the boy she has cared for like her own.

However, Roo’s intervention does not go unnoticed. Social worker Harper Mat intervenes, delivering a stern warning: Roo’s attempts to block Adrien from contacting Cohen could jeopardize the boy’s placement with her. Harper emphasizes that while Roo’s intentions are protective, the law requires her to allow Cohen’s biological father reasonable access. The threat is clear: if Roo continues to obstruct Adrien’s attempts to see his son, Cohen could be removed from her care and placed with another foster family. The looming possibility of losing Cohen raises the stakes to an emotional crescendo, leaving Roo in an agonizing moral dilemma.

Meanwhile, Summer Bay resident Irene Roberts confronts a life-altering development that adds another layer of tension to the Bay. Her estate agent delivers unexpected news: a serious offer has been made on Irene’s beloved beach house. What began as a personal plan to sell her home, leave Summer Bay behind, and embark on a worldwide adventure suddenly becomes urgent and tangible. The reality of selling a house that has long been the heart of her community triggers a wave of emotions, not just for Irene, but for everyone whose lives are intertwined with hers.

Irene’s decision carries consequences beyond her own life. Harper and her sister Dana, who rely on Irene’s property for stability, face uncertainty and potential displacement. The sale of Irene’s beach house could leave the sisters without a home, forcing them to reevaluate their living arrangements in ways they never anticipated. The episode promises to explore their struggles as they grapple with questions of loyalty, family, and survival in the face of upheaval.

Amid this turmoil, Harper faces a personal crossroads of her own. With her living situation suddenly in jeopardy, she may be forced to make difficult choices. One possibility on the table is moving in with Tan Parata, who has offered her and her baby son Archie a stable home. This decision carries emotional weight, as it involves trust, vulnerability, and the potential to forge a new path amidst the uncertainty. Alternatively, Harper may seek a different solution, one that allows her independence but comes with its own challenges. Viewers can expect to see her navigating this delicate balance, reflecting the broader themes of resilience, family loyalty, and personal growth that define Home and Away.

The intertwining of Roo’s protective instincts with Harper and Dana’s housing dilemma demonstrates the show’s commitment to multi-layered storytelling. Roo’s struggle to maintain custody of Cohen not only explores the legal and emotional complexities of foster care but also raises questions about the definition of family, the meaning of parenthood, and the sacrifices one must make to safeguard a child’s wellbeing. Adrien’s presence serves as a catalyst, exposing vulnerabilities and testing bonds in ways that will have long-lasting repercussions for all involved.

For Roo, every decision carries weight. Her love for Cohen is unquestionable, yet she must navigate a system that prioritizes both the child’s safety and the rights of a biological parent. The episode captures Roo’s emotional journey as she grapples with fear, frustration, and an unwavering desire to do what is best for Cohen. The stakes are intensely personal, and the tension is heightened by Adrien’s unpredictable behavior and persistence, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.

Beyond the immediate drama, Irene’s storyline enriches the episode by highlighting the ripple effects of change in Summer Bay. Her potential departure forces other characters to confront their own uncertainties and adapt to shifting circumstances. Harper and Dana’s predicament underscores the vulnerability of those who rely on others for stability, while also exploring the ways community, trust, and family support play a crucial role in resilience.

As the episode unfolds, viewers can expect emotional confrontations, tense negotiations, and moments of profound vulnerability. Roo’s fear of losing Cohen, Adrien’s determination to assert his parental rights, and Irene’s looming departure converge to create a powerful narrative tapestry. The episode promises to be a masterclass in suspense and emotional depth, offering audiences a dramatic exploration of what it means to protect those we love and confront the past head-on.

Fans of Home and Away will recognize the emotional complexity that defines the series. This upcoming episode on September 22, 2025, is no exception, delivering a story rich with conflict, moral dilemmas, and heartfelt moments that will resonate long after the credits roll. Roo’s journey, in particular, illustrates the nuanced challenges of foster care, parental responsibility, and the courage required to fight for family.

The stakes could not be higher. Cohen’s emotional wellbeing hangs in the balance, with Roo’s protective instincts pitted against Adrien’s desire to reconnect. Harper’s intervention adds a legal and ethical dimension, reminding viewers that love alone may not be enough to safeguard a child. Meanwhile, Irene’s potential move introduces questions about stability, community, and the bonds that hold people together in times of uncertainty.

Ultimately, the episode promises to deliver a mix of suspense, emotion, and thought-provoking drama. Roo’s fear of losing Cohen is at the heart of the narrative, driving every decision and intensifying every interaction. The audience is left to ponder: Will Roo be able to maintain custody of the boy she loves as her own? How will Adrien’s presence reshape Cohen’s life and sense of security? And how will the ripple effects of Irene’s decision impact the entire Summer Bay community?

In the world of Home and Away, no secret stays buried, and every choice carries consequences. The September 22 episode will test loyalties, reveal hidden strengths, and explore the complex web of emotions that define life in Summer Bay. Roo’s courage, Cohen’s vulnerability, and the uncertainty of the future promise an unforgettable installment that fans will be talking about for weeks to come.