After decades at the heart of Australian television, Home and Away remains a rare constant in an ever-changing industry — and few embody that legacy more powerfully

than Georgie Parker and Ray Meagher. As the long-running drama closes another emotionally charged year in Summer Bay, the beloved on-screen father and daughter are taking

a moment to look back on the stories that defined the past 12 months, while also dropping tantalising hints about the storms still gathering on the horizon.

For more than 15 years, Parker and Meagher have portrayed one of Home and Away’s most enduring and emotionally grounded relationships: Roo and Alf Stewart. While their characters’ bond has weathered grief, conflict, reconciliation, and countless life-changing events, the connection between the actors themselves has grown into something far deeper than a professional partnership. According to Parker, the trust they share off screen is the foundation that allows their performances to resonate so strongly with audiences.

Reflecting on the year that was, Parker describes working alongside Meagher as both grounding and inspiring. She speaks with unmistakable warmth about the respect they have for one another — a respect built on consistency, shared values, and a genuine love for the show they’ve helped shape. In an industry often defined by short contracts and constant change, their long-standing collaboration is increasingly rare.

Ray Meagher, of course, is synonymous with Home and Away. With more than 37 years as Alf Stewart, he remains the beating heart of Summer Bay — a fact Parker readily acknowledges. She admits that as long as Meagher continues his iconic run, she has no intention of stepping away. For her, Alf isn’t just Roo’s father; he is the anchor that keeps the show emotionally honest and grounded.

Parker praises Meagher’s unwavering discipline and focus, noting that he approaches every scene with the same commitment he did decades ago. While she describes herself as someone who values balance between work and personal life, she credits Meagher’s dedication as the key to his extraordinary longevity. With a laugh, she makes it clear: leaving Summer Bay without him simply isn’t an option. In her eyes, Ray Meagher isn’t going anywhere — and neither is she.

Meagher, meanwhile, reflects on a year rich with nostalgia and meaningful reunions. Among the highlights was sharing the screen once again with former castmate Steve Peacocke, whose character Brax left an indelible mark on the series. The reunion, Meagher says, was both joyful and emotionally resonant, reminding him why certain characters continue to live so vividly in viewers’ memories.

Fans already know that Brax, along with Ricky — played by Bonnie Sveen — is set to make a highly anticipated return in 2026. Much of the storyline was filmed in Western Australia, adding a fresh visual backdrop to the familiar emotional terrain of Home and Away. Meagher hints that Alf may cross paths with Brax once more, teasing scenes that are thoughtful, reflective, and grounded in the realities of life choices and consequences.

Looking back on filming those moments, Meagher describes the material as deeply human — less about spectacle, more about the road ahead for characters who have lived hard and learned painful lessons. It’s this balance, he believes, that keeps Home and Away relevant after so many years: drama rooted in emotion, not just shock value.

Meagher also reveals there is another former cast member he would love to welcome back to Summer Bay — Kate Ritchie’s Sally Fletcher. In his view, few characters loom as large in the show’s history as Sally, whose journey from troubled teen to resilient woman helped define an entire era of the series. While a return remains uncertain, Meagher believes the affection audiences still hold for Sally is undeniable.

Both Parker and Meagher speak candidly about their gratitude for the careers television has given them. For Parker, whose work spans decades of Australian drama, the connection with viewers continues to mean everything. She says moments of recognition from fans often tell a story in themselves. Whether people call her Roo or Georgie reflects the shared journey audiences have taken with her characters over the years — something she finds deeply moving.

As the festive season approaches, Meagher is looking forward to a well-earned break with his wife, Gilly, at their Sunshine Beach home in Queensland. After another demanding year on set, he plans to slow down, recharge, and enjoy some simple downtime away from the cameras.

Parker, meanwhile, is focused on family. She speaks with gratitude about still having her parents, stepfather, and siblings close, and believes that time with loved ones is the greatest gift of all. After an emotionally intense year in Summer Bay, stepping back into the comfort of family life feels especially important.

But while the cast may be preparing for rest, Home and Away itself is showing no signs of slowing down. Looking ahead to 2026, Meagher teases that Summer Bay may not stay quiet for long. With a mischievous hint, he suggests potential trouble ahead — particularly where Alf Stewart and his driving skills are concerned — sparking immediate curiosity among long-time viewers.

Parker closes the reflection by addressing the broader significance of Home and Away in today’s television landscape, especially following the end of fellow soap Neighbours. She believes the show remains a vital training ground for new talent and a rare example of a safe, supportive, and enduring workplace. More than that, she hopes it will continue to deliver compelling stories for audiences, stability for the industry, and meaningful work for its cast and crew for many years to come.

With its rich history, emotional storytelling, and loyal fanbase, Home and Away stands as one of Australia’s most treasured television institutions. And as it prepares to return to screens on January 19, 2026, one thing is clear: with Georgie Parker and Ray Meagher at its core, the legacy of Summer Bay is far from finished.