The Home and Away family has been rocked by heartbreak, with actor Nicholas Cartwright opening up about an unimaginable loss that has changed his life forever. In an emotional

and deeply personal revelation, Cartwright has confirmed he is stepping away from acting following the death of a beloved co-star — a loss he describes as “impossible to process”

and “the moment everything stopped making sense.”For years, Cartwright has been a familiar and steady presence on Australian screens, earning admiration not just for his performances,

but for his professionalism and quiet warmth behind the scenes. But now, the actor says the grief has become too heavy to carry while continuing his career.

“This wasn’t just someone I worked with,” Cartwright shared in a statement that has left fans reeling. “This was family. We shared years of our lives, long days on set, laughter between scenes, and support through things the public never sees. Losing them feels like losing part of myself.”

While details surrounding the co-star’s death remain respectfully private, sources close to the production describe the atmosphere on set as “somber” and “unrecognisable” in the weeks that followed. Filming schedules were quietly adjusted, cast members leaned heavily on one another, and crew members say there was a palpable sense of loss that no script could distract from.

Cartwright’s grief, however, ran deeper than most realised.

Insiders reveal that the actor struggled intensely after the tragedy, attempting to push through commitments before ultimately realising he could not continue. “He tried,” one source shared. “But every corner of the set reminded him of them. Every laugh, every silence. It became unbearable.”

In a heartbreaking admission, Cartwright explained that acting — once his refuge — now feels tied to pain. “I don’t know how to step into another role when I’m still living inside this one,” he said. “Right now, I need to grieve, to heal, and to honour them properly.”

The decision to retire, even temporarily, has sent shockwaves through the Home and Away community. Fans flooded social media with messages of support, gratitude, and sorrow, praising Cartwright for his honesty and courage. Many described his words as “raw,” “devastating,” and “heart-shatteringly real.”

Producers have also spoken out, expressing unwavering support. “Nicholas is loved beyond measure,” one statement read. “His well-being comes first, always. He will forever be part of the Home and Away family.”

The loss has also sparked renewed conversations about mental health, grief, and the unseen emotional toll carried by actors working through real-life trauma while expected to perform on cue.

For now, Cartwright is stepping back from the spotlight, focusing on family, close friends, and finding a way forward without someone who meant everything to him. Whether this retirement is permanent remains unclear — but fans agree that if this truly is goodbye, it is one marked by dignity, love, and profound sadness.

As one chapter closes under the weight of grief, the legacy of friendship, shared moments, and unspoken bonds remains — both on screen and far beyond it.