Summer Bay is no stranger to drama, but in upcoming Home and Away episodes, tensions rise to explosive levels as Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) takes drastic action to protect her foster son,

ohen Luther (Nathan Murray). With the unexpected arrival of Cohen’s biological father, Adrian Purcell (Tom Matthews), emotions are stretched to breaking point — and Roo finds herself

at the center of a storm that could have devastating consequences.

Roo’s protective instincts ignite

Roo has always been known as one of Summer Bay’s most nurturing figures, but this time, her fierce loyalty may put her at odds with the very system designed to protect vulnerable children. Having taken Cohen under her wing, Roo has developed a deep maternal bond with him — one that fuels her determination to shield him from harm.

When Adrian suddenly reappears in Cohen’s life after years of absence, Roo’s world is turned upside down. Adrian insists he wants to reconnect with his son, but Roo sees danger in his sudden interest. For her, Cohen’s stability and emotional well-being come first. And when Cohen’s first meeting with Adrian goes badly, Roo’s suspicions only deepen.

A confrontation at the Stewart house

The drama intensifies when Adrian decides to pay an unannounced visit to the Stewart residence. His attempt to see Cohen without warning sets Roo off. Protective and determined, Roo confronts him head-on. Viewers will witness a tense exchange as Roo threatens to call the police unless Adrian leaves immediately.

The showdown is a turning point. While Adrian insists he only wants to be part of his son’s life, Roo sees his approach as reckless and destabilizing. Her fury reflects both her fear of losing Cohen and her belief that Adrian is not the father figure Cohen needs. But Roo’s hard-line stance could have unintended consequences.

Social worker Harper intervenes

Roo’s intervention does not go unnoticed. Harper Matheson (Jessica Redmayne), Cohen’s social worker, is quick to step in and remind Roo of the delicate balance foster carers must maintain. Harper issues Roo with a stern official warning: if she continues to interfere and block Adrian’s access, Cohen could be removed from her care altogether.

This is the moment Roo dreads most. The thought of losing Cohen is unbearable, yet her fierce protectiveness risks doing exactly that. The tension between Roo’s maternal instincts and the rigid boundaries of the foster system sets up a powerful storyline — one that highlights the complexities of foster parenting and the emotional toll of fighting for a child’s future.

Irene faces a life-changing decision

Meanwhile, Roo’s drama isn’t the only shockwave hitting Summer Bay. Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) is also standing at a crossroads. Longtime fans know Irene has been considering selling her iconic beach house, but now, that possibility has become frighteningly real.

After receiving a call from her estate agent, Irene learns someone has made an offer to buy the property. The idea of leaving behind her home, her friends, and her life in Summer Bay suddenly shifts from dream to reality. Her long-standing plan to travel the world feels closer than ever, but it raises a troubling question: what will happen to the people who rely on her now?

Harper and Dana’s uncertain future

Among those affected are Irene’s lodgers, Harper and her sister Dana (Ally Harris). The sisters have found safety and comfort under Irene’s roof, but with the property now on the verge of being sold, they could soon be left without a place to stay.

For Harper, the stakes are even higher. As a new mother juggling her role as a social worker and parent to baby Archie, stability is everything. The looming loss of Irene’s home forces her to reassess her options — and possibly reconsider her past.

Tane steps in

Amid this upheaval, Tane Parata (Ethan Browne) steps forward with an offer that could change Harper’s life. Still connected by their past engagement, Tane suggests Harper and Archie move in with him. His proposal isn’t just about convenience; it’s also about rekindling the bond they once shared.

But will Harper accept? Moving in with Tane could provide the stability she and Archie desperately need, but it could also reopen old wounds. With emotions running high, Harper faces a dilemma that could reshape her future in Summer Bay.

The wider impact

Together, these intertwining storylines showcase Home and Away at its most compelling — a blend of family loyalty, personal sacrifice, and emotional crossroads. Roo’s confrontation with Adrian raises important questions about the rights of biological parents versus the responsibilities of foster carers, while Irene’s potential departure underscores the ever-shifting landscape of life in the Bay.

Fans are left wondering: will Roo’s determination to protect Cohen end up costing her the very relationship she’s trying to preserve? And will Irene really leave behind the beach house that has been the heart of so many unforgettable storylines?

Themes of love, loss, and resilience

At its core, these plotlines explore the lengths people go to for the ones they love. Roo’s actions, though extreme, are driven by her deep affection for Cohen. Irene’s struggle reflects the bittersweet nature of change — the desire for new adventures clashing with the ties of home and community. Harper’s dilemma embodies the universal tension between past and present, heart and responsibility.

As these characters grapple with their choices, Home and Away continues to deliver drama rooted in raw emotion, with stakes that feel both intimate and universal.

A storm on the horizon

One thing is certain: Summer Bay is on the brink of major changes. Roo’s warning to Adrian will not be the last clash in this custody battle, and Irene’s decision about her home could send shockwaves through the lives of everyone who has leaned on her. For Harper and Dana, the uncertainty of where they’ll live next adds another layer of tension to already complicated lives.

With so many lives intertwined, the coming weeks promise heart-stopping drama, emotional revelations, and perhaps even a few heartbreaking goodbyes.