The Home and Away fandom is buzzing with excitement as the first photos have emerged confirming the long-awaited return of two of Summer Bay’s most beloved characters —

Daryl “Brax” Braxton (played by Stephen Peacocke) and Ricky Sharp (played by Bonnie Sveen). The dynamic duo is officially back on set, and fans can’t stop talking about it!

Even more surprising? Tane Parata, played by Ethan Browne, has been spotted alongside them, sparking intense speculation about what’s coming in this landmark storyline.

After months of rumors, Home and Away has officially begun filming in Western Australia, marking the first time in the show’s history that production has ventured this far west. Producers have teased this as one of the most ambitious and emotional arcs to date, calling it a “high-stakes, cinematic event” that will redefine the future of the show.

The special 2026 episodes are expected to be nothing short of spectacular — with Home and Away promising a mix of high-octane drama, emotional reunions, and breathtaking outback scenery. For fans who’ve been longing to know where life took Brax and Ricky after they left Summer Bay nearly a decade ago, these episodes will finally provide answers — and perhaps, a few shocks.

The Return of Legends: Brax & Ricky’s Story Continues

It’s been nearly ten years since Brax and Ricky last appeared on-screen together, and their reunion has already stirred major excitement across the Home and Away community. Since their departure in 2016, fans have speculated endlessly about their fate — did they finally find peace after years of chaos, or has the past come back to haunt them?

This new chapter will reveal just that. Set against the stunning backdrop of Western Australia’s rugged coastline and red desert landscapes, the storyline promises to explore what became of their relationship, how they’ve evolved, and what draws them back into the drama-filled world that once consumed their lives.

First Set Photos Reveal a Familiar Face

The first clues that filming was about to begin came from Laura Vazquez, the show’s head of makeup, who shared a cryptic Instagram post featuring a plane captioned, “Perth-bound.” Within days, photos began surfacing from fans in Perth showing Stephen Peacocke and Ethan Browne filming scenes together in the city’s bustling Central Business District.

Images captured by fans show the pair in conversation with production crew near Elizabeth Quay and the Bell Tower, two of Perth’s most iconic landmarks. Another fan posted a photo with the actors, confirming that Tane’s presence isn’t just a cameo — he’s deeply involved in this new storyline.

The sight of Tane and Brax together immediately sparked speculation about what could unite them. Could the River Boys be back in business?

A River Boy Reunion on the Horizon?

Fans of Home and Away know that Brax’s return almost always means trouble — or at least, unfinished business. Tane Parata, who’s had his fair share of struggles with criminal elements and redemption arcs, seems like a fitting ally or rival for Brax.

Long-time viewers will remember that Tane previously had a brief encounter with Brax’s brother, Heath Braxton, during a tense 2021 storyline involving a drug gang. That arc ended with a full-blown River Boys brawl, where Heath stepped in to save Tane and Ari from a gang’s revenge. Could this new storyline tie back to those events?

Given Tane’s current state of turmoil and his ongoing quest for redemption, it’s entirely possible that his path crosses with Brax’s once again — perhaps as allies facing a new threat, or as two men forced to confront their past demons together.

Behind the Scenes: Filming in Western Australia

The Home and Away production team has gone all out for this special event, using Western Australia’s diverse landscapes to create a cinematic experience unlike anything the show has done before.

A press release confirmed that filming will take place across several breathtaking locations — from the vibrant streets of Perth to the expansive Outback. The goal, producers say, is to give the episodes a grand, emotional scale that honors the magnitude of Brax and Ricky’s return.

Executive Producer Julie McGauran expressed her enthusiasm, saying,

“It’s an absolute joy to have Steve and Bonnie back with us for this epic event. They each left such a mark on Home and Away, both on-screen and off. Their return after a decade will thrill our loyal viewers and introduce a new generation to their unforgettable chemistry.”

The Stars Speak Out

For Stephen Peacocke, the return to Home and Away is both nostalgic and thrilling.

“I’ll always be grateful to Home and Away for being the launchpad of my career,” he said. “When producers asked if I’d revisit Brax, it felt like a fun opportunity and one I think the audience will really enjoy. Filming in spectacular Outback Western Australia is the icing on the cake.”

Since his departure, Peacocke has built a successful career starring in acclaimed dramas such as Five Bedrooms, Wanted, and The Newsreader, as well as RFDS: Royal Flying Doctor Service. Yet, his fans have always associated him with Brax — the charismatic yet complicated leader of the River Boys.

Meanwhile, Bonnie Sveen expressed her excitement at stepping back into Ricky’s shoes.

“Bringing Ricky back wasn’t something I ever expected,” she admitted. “So I’m beyond thrilled to reunite with Steve and old friends at Home and Away. Exploring where Ricky and Brax are now, ten years on, will make for a very special and emotional journey.”

Sveen has since become one of Australia’s most respected performers, earning awards for her short film Finding Addison and acclaim for her role in Thou Shalt Not Steal, the South by Southwest Sydney winner.

What’s Next for Brax, Ricky, and Tane?

While the exact details of the Western Australia storyline remain tightly under wraps, producers have teased that the upcoming episodes will be “an explosive blend of action, heart, and redemption.” Given the history of these characters, fans can expect emotional payoffs, shocking twists, and — of course — that signature Home and Away tension that keeps viewers glued to their screens.

Will Brax and Ricky’s love story get the closure fans have waited years for? Or will old enemies and unresolved secrets tear them apart once again? And how does Tane fit into the picture — as a friend, a foe, or a new member of the River Boys legacy?

One thing’s for sure — Home and Away’s 2026 Western Australia event promises to be a milestone moment for the long-running series.

A New Chapter Begins

The return of Brax and Ricky is more than just fan service; it’s a powerful reminder of the show’s enduring legacy. These two characters helped define Home and Away’s golden era, and their comeback represents both a nod to the past and a bold step forward.

With breathtaking scenery, emotionally charged storytelling, and the reunion fans never thought they’d see, Home and Away is gearing up for one of its most unforgettable chapters yet.