After three unforgettable years of heartbreak, heroism, and heartfelt performances, Home and Away star Juliet Godwin has officially said farewell to Summer Bay —

and left fans reeling with a stunning surprise announcement that no one saw coming. The beloved actress, best known for bringing depth and compassion to Dr. Bree Cameron,

bid an emotional goodbye to the long-running soap — only to reveal just hours later that she’s engaged to her longtime love, Sam Masters.

The 31-year-old Zimbabwe-born actress, who first joined the Home and Away cast in 2022, appeared in her final scenes on Thursday, marking the end of an era for one of the Bay’s most empathetic and quietly powerful characters. But while her departure hit viewers hard, Juliet’s off-screen joy sent social media into a frenzy.

Standing barefoot on the golden sands of Palm Beach — the real-life backdrop for the iconic Summer Bay — Juliet took to Instagram to share her heartfelt farewell with fans. “Good day, last day for me on the beach,” she began, her voice trembling with emotion. “I just want to say thank you to Summer Bay and everyone involved for making my time so wonderful.”

Her words were followed by a touching montage of behind-the-scenes memories and clips from her time on the show: Bree saving lives at Northern Districts Hospital, comforting friends through heartbreak, and weathering her own storms with quiet dignity. It was a reminder of just how deeply Juliet had become woven into the emotional fabric of Home and Away.

Then came a personal shout-out that melted fans’ hearts — her message to on-screen love interest Adam Rowland, who played the free-spirited musician Remi Carter. “So many good memories on the grassy knoll of wisdom,” she joked fondly, referring to the spot where so many Bree and Remi heart-to-hearts were filmed. “Thank you, Adsy — the best, kindest, funniest scene partner an actor could ask for. Remy rocks. Miss you already.”

Within minutes, her farewell video was flooded with messages of love and nostalgia. Co-star Ryan Bown wrote, “We’ll miss you dearly, Dr. Bree. You brought such grace and warmth to every scene.” Another fan added, “Summer Bay won’t be the same without her. Juliet, you made us laugh, cry, and believe in hope again.”

For many, Juliet’s departure feels like losing a piece of Home and Away’s soul. Since her first appearance, she’s been a grounding force amid the chaos of Summer Bay — a healer, both professionally and emotionally, who faced her own demons while helping others confront theirs. Her nuanced portrayal of Dr. Bree’s trauma, resilience, and recovery earned her praise from fans and critics alike, proving that she was far more than just another soap newcomer.

In a 2023 interview with Perth Now, Juliet described her time on the series as “the experience of a lifetime.” She said, “To wake up and go to set every day and do what I love — that’s something I’ll never take for granted. Home and Away changed my life in every way.”

But as one chapter closed, another began — in the most romantic way possible. Just days before her final episode aired, Juliet stunned fans once again by announcing her engagement. Sharing a series of breathtaking photos from a windswept South African beach, she revealed that her longtime partner, Sam Masters, had popped the question.

The actress captioned the post simply: “October, you were good to us. Here’s to forever, baby.”

In the photos, Juliet glowed in the golden sunset, her engagement ring glimmering as she leaned into her fiancé, both beaming with happiness. The moment was both intimate and cinematic — the kind of love story ending worthy of a Home and Away finale.

Her Home and Away co-stars flooded the comments with congratulations and disbelief. “Stop! This is so beautiful,” wrote Jacqui Purvis (Felicity Newman). “From heartbreak to forever — so happy for you!” added Emily Weir (Mackenzie Booth). Fans echoed the sentiment, with one writing, “Only Juliet could make us cry one minute and cheer the next!”

It’s a poetic twist for an actress whose on-screen life was often marked by heartbreak and resilience. As Dr. Bree Cameron, Juliet navigated domestic abuse, rediscovered her confidence, and found love again — a storyline that deeply resonated with viewers. Off-screen, her engagement feels like the perfect mirror image: a story of survival, self-discovery, and joy.

While fans are mourning the loss of Dr. Bree, Juliet’s future looks brighter than ever. Rumors are already swirling that the actress has several exciting projects in the works, including a potential return to theater and interest from international film producers. For now, though, she’s soaking up the love and reflecting on what has been an extraordinary chapter of her career.

“Leaving Home and Away was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made,” Juliet said in a recent statement. “But I feel so grateful — for the stories I got to tell, the people I met, and the fans who’ve supported me every step of the way. This isn’t goodbye forever, it’s just the beginning of something new.”

As the waves crash along the iconic shores of Summer Bay, one thing is clear: Juliet Godwin’s spirit will linger long after Dr. Bree Cameron’s final scene fades to black. Her kindness, her strength, and her radiant smile have left a lasting imprint on Home and Away’s legacy.

And while fans may be saying goodbye to one beloved doctor, they’re also celebrating a love story — both real and timeless — that reminds us all that every ending can also be a beautiful new beginning.