The world of Home and Away is once again in the spotlight, but this time the drama isn’t unfolding on the shores of Summer Bay — it’s in real life. Beloved actress Sarah Roberts, known to fans

as the fiery and compassionate Willow Harris, has made headlines after confirming the end of her five-year marriage to fellow star James Stewart. The revelation,

hared in a deeply personal interview, has sent shockwaves through fans who once celebrated the couple as one of Australia’s golden love stories.

Yet, amid the heartbreak, Roberts has also embraced a bold new chapter. With the official announcement that she has become a mother for the first time, the actress is showing the world that even after profound endings, fresh beginnings can blossom with hope, strength, and love.

A Fairytale That Once Seemed Unbreakable

Roberts and Stewart’s romance was nothing short of a fairytale when it first began. The pair met in 2017 on the set of Home and Away, where Roberts played Willow and Stewart portrayed Justin Morgan. Their on-screen chemistry sparked immediate interest, but what thrilled fans most was watching that chemistry carry into real life.

By 2019, the couple had sealed their love in a dazzling wedding at the breathtaking Luttrellstown Castle in Dublin, Ireland. Pictures of the occasion captured Roberts in a stunning gown and Stewart in classic elegance, while their co-stars and loved ones looked on. For many, the marriage symbolized the magic of Home and Away — a love born in Summer Bay that carried into reality.

It seemed like the perfect match: two stars, adored by millions, ready to take on the world together. But as Roberts now reveals, even fairytales have their shadows.

Growing Apart

In her candid interview with Stellar magazine, Roberts explained that the split was not born of scandal, but of slow and steady distance. “My belief in marriage is that two people grow and learn from each other together,” she reflected. “Sometimes people just grow apart, and that’s okay.”

It was a statement both heartbreaking and empowering, underscoring the reality that love doesn’t always mean forever. Roberts admitted that she reached a point where she could no longer grow in the way she needed within the marriage. For her, this realization was devastating but necessary.

“I’ve been really afraid of talking about this because of what I’ve felt to be the stigma and shame around it,” Roberts confessed. “I hid for a very long time. But I hope that by just being honest today, I’ll free myself, and potentially free a lot of other people, to be able to speak their truth.”

The Complexities Behind the Split

Those close to the couple describe their separation as “complex.” Career ambitions played a significant role, with Roberts increasingly focused on international opportunities — particularly in the US — while Stewart wanted to remain firmly rooted in Australia. His priority was his daughter Scout, from a previous relationship with actress Jessica Marais.

Roberts has always spoken with warmth and devotion about Scout, describing her as a central figure in her life. “I didn’t only choose to marry a man, I also chose to marry his daughter,” she said. That bond made the decision to leave all the more painful, but Roberts insists that her love for Scout remains unwavering.

A Painful Public Journey

Navigating heartbreak is hard enough behind closed doors, but for Roberts and Stewart, their split played out in the relentless glare of public scrutiny. Roberts admitted that seeing headlines and rumors about her marriage “absolutely ripped my heart in a million little pieces.”

The actress leaned heavily on her friends during this difficult time, calling them her lifeline. “They brought me back to life,” she shared, describing how her inner circle provided a safe haven when the outside world felt overwhelming. Through these bonds, Roberts has been able to rebuild her confidence and rediscover her joy.

A Fresh Start: Love and Motherhood

But in the ashes of heartbreak, Roberts has found renewal. She has embarked on a new romance with Sydney cinematographer Jake Iesu, a relationship she describes as grounding, supportive, and filled with laughter. The couple’s chemistry has become increasingly visible through Roberts’ social media posts, where fans have noted the sparkle returning to her eyes.

And now, Roberts has stepped into the most transformative role of her life: motherhood. Her first child marks a milestone that not only redefines her personal journey but also symbolizes resilience after loss. Though she has kept details of her child’s arrival private, sources confirm that Roberts is embracing motherhood with the same passion and authenticity that made her a star.

James Stewart’s Next Chapter

While Roberts moves forward, Stewart too has been writing his own new chapter. The actor remains a core part of Home and Away, continuing to bring depth and charm to his character Justin Morgan. Off-screen, he has reportedly found love again with co-star Ada Nicodemou, known to fans as Leah Patterson. The pair were spotted together in July 2024, sparking excitement among fans of the long-running series.

Despite the end of his marriage, Stewart appears to be focusing on stability and balance, ensuring that his daughter Scout remains at the center of his world.

The End of an Era, the Start of Another

For Home and Away fans, Roberts and Stewart’s union was more than just a celebrity romance — it was a symbol of Summer Bay’s magic spilling into the real world. Their wedding, their public appearances, and even their occasional interviews about married life became part of the show’s wider mythology.

Now, their divorce marks the closing of that chapter. But as both stars move on — Stewart with Nicodemou, Roberts with Iesu, and Roberts stepping into motherhood — fans are reminded that endings are also beginnings.

For Roberts especially, this new phase is about strength, honesty, and embracing life fully, even after heartbreak. “The challenging times have served as fuel in my belly,” she said. It’s a powerful statement, one that echoes the resilience of the characters she has played on screen.

A Legacy of Love

Though Roberts and Stewart’s five-year marriage did not last forever, it remains an unforgettable part of Home and Away history. Their love story — from the moment they met on set, to their fairytale wedding, to their quiet separation — captured hearts worldwide.

Today, Roberts stands as a symbol of courage and renewal: an actress unafraid to speak her truth, a woman who found love again, and now a mother beginning the most profound journey of her life.

As the curtain closes on one chapter and another begins, fans of Home and Away will no doubt continue to follow her story with admiration, cheering her on every step of the way.