After four transformative years in Summer Bay, Home and Away favorite Matt Evans is stepping boldly into a new chapter — and he’s making it clear that

this next act may be his most ambitious yet. The 29-year-old actor and musician, who quietly exited the long-running soap earlier this year, has finally broken his silence

about life after the Bay. In a candid new interview, Evans revealed he is deep in auditions, savoring a rare moment of stillness after years of relentless filming,

and preparing for what he describes as a defining leap forward in his career.

For fans who watched him grow into a household name on Home and Away, the departure came as a surprise. But for Evans, the decision was rooted in a desire for clarity. After four years immersed in the demanding rhythm of soap production — early call times, emotionally intense storylines, and the pressure of daily broadcasts — he felt it was time to pause and reassess.

“I’ve been auditioning for lots of different things and trusting that the right project will come along,” Evans shared. “After four years of that busy schedule life, it’s been nice to have a bit of a break and assess my options.”

That break, he says, has been both grounding and creatively energizing. Away from the constant churn of scripts and set life, Evans has been able to think strategically about the roles he wants to pursue next. Rather than rushing into another long-term contract, he is carefully selecting opportunities that stretch him artistically.

While he remains tight-lipped about specific projects, he hinted that something significant may already be in motion. “There will be something on the horizon,” he teased. “When there is, I’ll let people know. For the time being, I’m working hard.”

Industry insiders suggest Evans is keen to pivot toward more diverse acting opportunities — from feature films to prestige streaming dramas. But perhaps the most intriguing revelation is his desire to merge his two creative passions: acting and music.

Many fans first encountered Evans not in Summer Bay, but on The Voice Australia, where his musical talent first captured national attention. Though acting has taken priority in recent years, he insists music has never left his heart.

“Music is always there,” he explained. “But I’ve been focusing more on the acting.” Still, he openly admits to dreaming big. “It’s a dream of mine to play a biopic of a famous musician or do something like a Disney musical. I love the idea of blending the two — maybe even musical theatre one day. There’s potential.”

The prospect of Evans starring in a musician biopic or large-scale musical production is already fueling speculation among fans. His background uniquely positions him for roles that demand both dramatic depth and vocal prowess — a combination few actors can authentically deliver.

But career evolution isn’t the only change shaping Evans’ world.

In a personal revelation that delighted longtime viewers, he confirmed he found love on set before his departure. Evans is now in a relationship with fellow actress Sophia Pennington, and the pair are embracing this new chapter together.

“I found a beautiful girlfriend, Sophia Pennington, on the show, so that’s been really nice,” he said warmly. “We’ve started that chapter of having a partner, and it’s cool because I can support her while she’s still going through the show.”

The dynamic presents a unique twist: while Evans explores fresh territory beyond Summer Bay, Pennington continues navigating life on set. Their relationship, forged amid scripts and studio lights, now bridges two different professional rhythms — one stepping forward into uncertainty, the other maintaining stability within the soap’s structured world.

Beyond career and romance, Evans is also reconnecting with something he has long missed: family time. For the first time in years, filming schedules will not dictate his holidays. He is heading home to Perth for Christmas — a reunion he describes as deeply meaningful.

Growing up, he recalls big family gatherings, incredible food, and a mother who “loves presents.” This year, the entire family will be reunited. “I’ve been looking forward to it all year,” he admitted.

It’s a poignant reminder that behind the spotlight is a young man recalibrating his life — not just professionally, but personally.

That sense of perspective has also driven his involvement in a charitable initiative close to his heart: the Light the World Giving Machines. The program allows shoppers to donate essential items — from food to toys — at the tap of a button.

One particular donation option struck him profoundly.

“I donated a little teddy today because I was thinking about how much difference it can make,” Evans revealed. “As a kid, everyone has that one toy that means the world to them. For a child who can’t afford one, that teddy could become their new best friend.”

For Evans, who describes himself as fortunate to have grown up surrounded by family and gifts each Christmas, the cause resonates deeply. “I’ve been very lucky to always have family around and gifts at Christmas. I know that’s not the case for everyone. So being able to help give that feeling to someone else means a lot.”

As he steps away from the familiar sands of Summer Bay, Matt Evans stands at a crossroads filled with possibility. He is no longer defined solely by one role, one genre, or one chapter. Instead, he is embracing uncertainty — audition by audition, project by project — with the confidence of someone ready to redefine his narrative.

Whatever emerges on the horizon, one thing is clear: this is not a farewell. It’s a launch.