In a shocking and deeply emotional twist that left fans and colleagues in tears, Home and Away favorite Nicholas Cartwright, best known for his role as Constable Cash Newman,

has revealed that he suffered what he described as a “stroke-like episode” while filming scenes for the hit Australian soap. The incident, which occurred during

a high-pressure day on set, has sent shockwaves through the Home and Away community and raised serious concerns for the star’s health and future on the show.

According to insiders, the terrifying episode unfolded while Nicholas was shooting a tense emotional scene for an upcoming storyline. Crew members reportedly noticed something was terribly wrong when the actor began slurring his words and appearing disoriented mid-performance. At first, many believed he was still in character—Cash has been at the center of several intense and emotional arcs recently—but it quickly became apparent that something was seriously amiss.

“He suddenly stopped speaking properly,” a crew member revealed. “At first, we thought it was part of the scene, but then his face looked off, and everyone just froze. The director yelled cut immediately, and medical staff rushed in.”

Nicholas was swiftly taken to hospital for urgent testing, where doctors confirmed he had experienced a transient ischemic attack, commonly known as a mini-stroke. Although not life-threatening, the episode served as a stark warning that the actor’s health needed immediate attention.

“It was terrifying,” Nicholas later admitted in an emotional social media post. “One moment I was acting, and the next, I couldn’t get my words out. I honestly thought I was having a stroke.”

Fans have flooded social media with messages of love and support for the actor, who has been a beloved member of the Home and Away family since 2021. Known for his quiet strength and emotional depth as Cash Newman, Nicholas has become a fan favorite, with his character enduring heartbreak, danger, and redemption across the picturesque — and often perilous — world of Summer Bay.

The incident has sparked fears about whether the star will be forced to take a break from filming. However, Nicholas has reassured fans that he is on the mend and taking his recovery seriously. “I’ve been told to slow down, and that’s exactly what I’m doing,” he said. “I love this job, but I know now that my health has to come first.”

Behind the scenes, castmates are said to have been deeply shaken by the event. “Nicholas is one of the kindest and most hard-working people on set,” one insider shared. “To see him collapse like that—it was heartbreaking. Everyone just wanted to make sure he was okay.”

While production briefly paused to allow the actor to rest and undergo medical evaluation, producers have reportedly adjusted the filming schedule to accommodate his recovery. It’s understood that upcoming storylines may be rewritten to ease his workload as he regains his strength.

For fans, the news is a sobering reminder that even the toughest heroes of Summer Bay aren’t immune to real-life battles. Nicholas’s ordeal has not only shown his vulnerability but also his remarkable courage in confronting such a frightening health scare head-on.

As Home and Away continues to film its latest season, viewers can expect to see Cash Newman face his own emotional turning points — but this time, knowing what the man behind the badge has endured in real life, those scenes will hit closer to home than ever before.

Nicholas Cartwright’s bravery and honesty in sharing his story have only deepened the love fans feel for him. One thing is clear — while the moment may have been terrifying, this beloved actor’s fighting spirit proves that neither Cash Newman nor Nicholas Cartwright is down for long.