In a bombshell announcement that has stunned fans across Australia and beyond, Home and Away favourite Emily Symons has revealed she is officially stepping away from the iconic role of

Marilyn Chambers — a character she has embodied, loved, and breathed life into for more than three decades. The news, delivered quietly but decisively through a statement released late last night,

marks the end of one of the longest and most cherished legacies in Australian television history. For viewers who have grown up with Marilyn’s warmth, humour, quirks,

and heartbreaking vulnerabilities, the shock is immediate — and the grief is real.

According to production insiders, Emily’s decision came after months of private discussions with the network. While the actress is said to be immensely grateful for her time in Summer Bay, sources describe the moment as “deeply emotional, reflective, and ultimately inevitable.” Emily reportedly expressed a desire to step back from the demanding filming schedule and pursue new personal and professional chapters.

Her announcement reads, in part: “Playing Marilyn has been one of the greatest honours of my life. She is part of me, and leaving her behind is heartbreaking — but the time has come for me to embrace change.”

The statement alone sent tremors across social media, but the real shock is the speed at which this news emerged. Cast members were reportedly informed only days before the public, with several insiders describing the mood on set as “somber, tearful, and completely blindsided.”

One long-standing co-star admitted privately that no one saw this coming. “It feels like the end of an era. Emily is the heart of this place. Losing her… it changes everything.”

What This Means for Summer Bay

As speculation erupts, all eyes are now on how the show plans to write out Marilyn — a character whose presence has shaped the very soul of Summer Bay. Early whispers suggest the storyline will be deeply emotional, tied closely to themes of identity, healing, and closure. Writers are reportedly crafting a send-off worthy of Marilyn’s legacy, though exact details remain tightly under wraps.

Some fans fear a tragic ending — a twist that would forever alter the fabric of the Bay. Others cling to hope that Marilyn’s departure will mirror Emily’s in real life: tender, reflective, and leaving the door open for future returns.

What is certain is that Home and Away is preparing for one of its most impactful goodbyes in years. Emily Symons’ portrayal of Marilyn Chambers has guided the show through reinventions, cast changes, and multiple eras of storytelling. Her exit will leave a void that cannot simply be filled — it must be honoured.

A Legacy That Will Never Fade

From Marilyn’s iconic big hair in the early 1990s, to her heartbreaking tragedies, to her comedic timing and motherly warmth, Emily Symons shaped a character who transcended the screen. She became part of Australian cultural memory — an anchor in a show built on constant change.

Now, as she steps away, fans are left grappling with a reality few ever expected to face: Summer Bay without Marilyn.

And judging by the early reactions, no one is ready to say goodbye.