In a moment that has left Home and Away fans across Australia and beyond both thrilled and anxious, veteran actor Ray Meagher, the man behind the beloved and long-running character Alf Stewart,

has given a rare, revealing glimpse into the future of the Channel 7 soap opera. The 82-year-old actor, who has portrayed Alf for nearly four decades, delivered his bombshell news during

a hilarious yet revealing radio interview that combined humor, nostalgia, and a hint of the dramatic twists that have made Home and Away a cultural institution.

Meagher appeared on Sydney’s 96.9 FM for a lively segment that quickly descended into comedic chaos, showcasing the actor’s famously dry wit and his uncanny ability to channel Alf Stewart’s irascible personality. The interview took a memorable turn when Meagher was asked to perform a version of UK singer Ray’s song Where the Hell is My Husband. True to Alf Stewart form, Meagher refused outright, delivering a warning to the radio hosts in his characteristically cranky voice: “You’ll be hearing from my lawyers.”

The moment set the tone for what fans would later describe as a quintessential Alf Stewart experience—gruff, unpredictable, and utterly charming. Co-host Kate Ritchie, herself a Home and Away legend who played Sally Fletcher for 20 years, quickly clarified that she had no involvement in the song request, leaving her co-hosts Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald and Michael Wipfli doubled over with laughter. Meagher described the request as “the rattiest lot of dialogue tripe I’ve ever heard,” adding, “Nah, you’ve stitched me up.”

The hosts then proceeded to play a version of the song humorously peppered with Alf Stewart’s classic lines, including memorable exclamations such as “Flame and Mongrels!”, “What’s all that racket about?”, and “Long-haired yahoos!” Meagher, ever the showman, appeared amused by the rendition, concluding with the iconic, tongue-in-cheek warning: “You’ll be hearing from my lawyers.” The playful exchange offered fans a moment of levity while reminding them of Alf Stewart’s enduring presence in the world of Home and Away.

However, the conversation soon turned to more poignant territory when Meagher discussed the possibility of Kate Ritchie returning to Summer Bay. Despite her initial embarrassment, Meagher floated the idea of a 2026 return for Sally Fletcher, calling it “a small dream on behalf of Australia.” He noted that while the show has recently revisited characters such as the River Boys, a return for Sally would be a momentous event, bridging generations of Home and Away fans. Meagher even suggested he would personally speak to the producers to advocate for Ritchie’s return, describing the prospect as “having a yarn” with the team—a move that underscores both his commitment to the show and his affection for his former co-star. Sally Fletcher, after all, remains one of the most beloved characters in Australian soap history, having left Summer Bay in 2008 with a brief return in 2013 for a special storyline.

The timing of Meagher’s interview is particularly dramatic, as it coincides with the Home and Away 2025 finale—a two-and-a-half-hour event slated to shake the foundations of Summer Bay. This week’s finale promises a catastrophic train crash, a storyline that has already fueled rampant speculation among fans. According to Meagher, a character will die in the crash, though he refrained from revealing whether it would be a long-time favorite or a lesser-known face. The secrecy surrounding Alf Stewart’s fate in this high-stakes episode has left audiences on tenterhooks, eager to see if the enduring patriarch will survive one of the most dangerous storylines in the show’s history.

Meagher described the production of the finale as nothing short of extraordinary. “I’ve heard a lot of people describe Home and Away as a train crash,” he joked, “but I can honestly say, for a two-and-a-half-hour-a-week production, this is absolutely amazing. It’s so well done.” His words hint at the intensity and scale of the upcoming episodes, which promise to combine the show’s signature drama with cinematic storytelling that pushes the boundaries of traditional soap opera production.

For fans, the stakes could not be higher. Alf Stewart is not just any character; he is the bedrock of Summer Bay. Meagher’s portrayal has spanned nearly four decades, making him the longest-serving actor in an Australian television soap. His dry humor, moral compass, and occasional grumpiness have made Alf Stewart a figure of comfort, chaos, and enduring affection. As the train crash storyline unfolds, viewers will be watching not just for plot twists, but for the fate of the man who has defined Summer Bay for generations.

Beyond the potential peril of the finale, Meagher’s interview served as a reminder of the deep camaraderie and mutual respect among the Home and Away cast. His comments about Kate Ritchie’s possible return illustrate a shared history and enduring connection that extends beyond the screen. Meagher’s willingness to advocate for Ritchie highlights his role not only as a performer but as a guardian of the show’s legacy—a voice for its past, present, and future.

In reflecting on the show’s legacy, Meagher also touched on the challenges and joys of portraying a single character for nearly 40 years. “It’s been an incredible journey,” he said, recalling the early days on set and the evolution of Alf Stewart’s storylines. The actor credited the show’s writers, producers, and fellow cast members for keeping the character fresh, relatable, and beloved across decades. “Alf’s life is intertwined with the lives of everyone in Summer Bay,” Meagher noted. “He’s seen everything, survived everything, and he’s still standing—sometimes grumpy, sometimes sentimental, but always Alf.”

As the Home and Away 2025 finale approaches, the suspense surrounding Alf Stewart’s fate has ignited fervent discussion on social media, forums, and among devoted fan communities. The combination of Meagher’s teasing remarks, the threat of a catastrophic train crash, and the hint of long-lost characters returning has created a perfect storm of anticipation. Fans are speculating not only about survival but also about potential reunions, character arcs, and the future direction of the series after such a monumental event.

Ultimately, Meagher’s interview underscores the enduring power of Home and Away and the unique role that Alf Stewart plays in its storytelling universe. The actor’s playful banter, candid reflections, and willingness to hint at upcoming plot twists demonstrate both his love for the show and his deep connection to its audience. For nearly 40 years, Alf Stewart has been more than a character; he has been a symbol of resilience, humor, and heart in the face of life’s challenges—and fans are now holding their breath to see how the train crash storyline will test that legacy.

In the words of Ray Meagher himself, Alf Stewart is as resilient as he is iconic. But with the dramatic finale looming, fans can only speculate whether the man who has been the moral and emotional anchor of Summer Bay for decades will survive the disaster—or whether this could be the most shocking twist in Home and Away history. One thing is certain: with Meagher at the helm, both on and off-screen, the drama, humor, and heart of Summer Bay remain in capable, legendary hands.