For 25 unforgettable years, Home and Away star Ada Nicodemou has captivated audiences as the resilient and beloved Leah Patterson. From fiery romances to harrowing kidnappings,

near-death experiences, and countless heartbreaks, Leah has truly done it all in Summer Bay. And now, in the spirit of Halloween, Ada has decided to celebrate her long-running role

with a hilarious—and perfectly self-aware—tribute that has fans in stitches. The Australian actress, who first joined the iconic soap back in 2000, took to social media this week to share

a series of tongue-in-cheek Halloween costume ideas inspired by Leah’s most dramatic storylines. It was a playful nod to the chaos her character has endured over the decades, and fans couldn’t get enough.

Leaning into the over-the-top nature of soap storytelling, Ada suggested fans dress up as some of Leah’s most memorable alter-egos: “Impaled Leah,” “Runaway Bride Leah,” and “Kidnapped Leah,” among others. Each costume referenced a notorious moment from Leah’s rollercoaster life in the Bay, where danger and drama seem to lurk around every corner.

The post quickly went viral, with Home and Away viewers flooding the comments section with laughter and admiration. “You’ve survived more drama than anyone in TV history!” one fan wrote. Another added, “Best Halloween inspiration ever—Leah Patterson deserves her own horror franchise!” The lighthearted humor struck a chord with longtime fans who have followed Leah’s journey from the very beginning.

Off-screen, Ada Nicodemou has also found a real-life happily ever after. The actress, a devoted mother of one, shares her life with partner and fellow Home and Away star James Stewart, who plays her on-screen husband Justin Morgan. Their chemistry on and off the screen has become a fan favorite, and their shared sense of humor clearly extends beyond the set.

But while Ada’s Halloween joke had fans howling with laughter, it also served as a nostalgic reminder of just how many unforgettable storylines Leah has survived. Let’s take a look back at some of her most iconic—and outrageous—moments in Summer Bay history.

Leah’s First Heartbreak: Losing Her Husband Vinnie

Leah’s Home and Away journey began with love—and loss. Her first husband, Vinnie Patterson (played by Ryan Kwanten), met a tragic fate after being imprisoned for fraud. In a shocking twist, it was later revealed that he had entered witness protection and ultimately died in a farming accident. It was the first of many devastating blows for Leah, setting the tone for the string of heartbreaks that would follow her through the years.

A Surrogate Mother’s Struggle

One of the most emotional storylines in the show’s history saw Leah become a surrogate for her close friend Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie). Leah’s decision to help Sally have a baby—Pippa—was both selfless and stirring, but it came with immense emotional challenges. As the pregnancy unfolded, tensions tested their friendship, blurring the lines between love, sacrifice, and maternal instinct. Thankfully, the storyline ended on a heartwarming note, showcasing Leah’s unwavering compassion and loyalty.

Held Captive by a Stalker

Leah’s streak of bad luck continued when she became entangled in a terrifying ordeal involving Jasmine’s online stalker. The situation escalated into a full-blown kidnapping, where Leah and Jasmine were held hostage. In a display of her trademark quick thinking, Leah found an ingenious way to call for help—by sneaking an SOS message into an online food order. It was one of those classic Home and Away moments that perfectly blended suspense with the spirit of resilience that defines Leah.

The Wedding from Hell

If there’s one thing Leah knows too well, it’s that love in Summer Bay rarely runs smoothly. In one of her most harrowing storylines, Leah was kidnapped by a deranged man who wanted not only to punish her but to marry her as well. The image of Leah escaping her captor in a wedding dress became instantly iconic among fans. Years later, Ada Nicodemou herself admitted that filming those scenes was “deeply unsettling,” describing how eerie it felt to don a wedding gown for such a dark sequence.

Impaled—but Still Unbreakable

Of all Leah’s near-death experiences, few were as shocking as the time she was impaled by a metal pole after a gang cut the brakes on a car. The horrifying crash left viewers gasping—but true to form, Leah survived against all odds. It was a testament to the character’s incredible resilience and perhaps the ultimate example of why fans lovingly refer to her as Home and Away’s toughest survivor.

25 Years of Leah: Why She Still Captivates Viewers

Through heartbreak, hope, and horror, Leah Patterson has become more than just a character—she’s a Home and Away institution. Ada Nicodemou’s nuanced portrayal has allowed fans to see Leah not only as a victim of circumstance but as a symbol of perseverance. Whether facing tragedy or triumph, Leah’s ability to rise again resonates deeply with audiences who have grown up alongside her.

As Ada’s Halloween post proves, the actress hasn’t lost her sense of humor about the chaos her character endures. Her playful costume ideas—while poking fun at the melodrama—also highlight the wild, unpredictable charm that has made Home and Away a beloved staple of Australian television.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

After 25 years, Ada Nicodemou remains one of the longest-serving and most iconic cast members in Home and Away history. Her ability to balance high-stakes drama with moments of levity has made Leah Patterson a fan favorite across generations. As the series continues to evolve, Leah’s journey stands as a reminder of what makes Summer Bay so irresistible—its blend of heartbreak, humor, and humanity.

Ada’s hilarious Halloween tribute was more than just a joke; it was a celebration of her legacy and the resilience of a character who refuses to be defeated, no matter how wild the storyline gets.

With fans eagerly sharing their own “Leah-inspired” costume ideas and reminiscing about her craziest moments, it’s clear that Ada Nicodemou’s influence on Home and Away runs deeper than ever. Whether she’s dodging disaster or laughing at it, Leah Patterson—and the woman who plays her—remain icons of Australian television.

As Ada herself might say, after 25 years in Summer Bay, if you can’t laugh at the chaos, you’re probably not doing it right.