Romance has always been at the heart of Home and Away, but this time the love story unfolding has moved far beyond the fictional shores of Summer Bay. Fans of the long-running Australian drama

were delighted earlier this year when beloved cast members Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart confirmed that their off-screen relationship had taken a major step forward.

Now, Nicodemou is finally opening up about the emotional moment Stewart proposed—and the surprise that made the engagement even more special.

For viewers who have watched the pair portray the on-screen couple Leah Patterson and Justin Morgan for years, the real-life romance between the actors already felt like a fairytale. Yet according to Nicodemou, the moment Stewart asked her to marry him still caught her completely off guard.

A Valentine’s Day Surprise

The proposal took place on Valentine’s Day, a date already synonymous with romance, but Nicodemou revealed that the day’s events unfolded in a far more unexpected way than she anticipated.

Speaking about the milestone, the actress admitted she had long suspected that Stewart might propose at some point. However, she never imagined it would happen exactly when it did.

“I knew it was coming, but I didn’t know when,” she explained while recalling the emotional moment.

The couple had already planned a romantic dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Before heading out to the restaurant, Stewart suggested something simple—a walk through the park to visit a place that had become meaningful to both of them.

It was a small suggestion, but one that would soon turn into a life-changing memory.

According to Nicodemou, Stewart led her to their favorite quiet spot and suggested they pause for a moment together. What happened next took her completely by surprise.

“He said we should go for a little walk first to our favourite spot and have a kiss,” she recalled. “And that’s where he surprised me by going down on one knee.”

In that instant, the ordinary evening transformed into an unforgettable proposal.

A Moment Filled With Emotion

For Nicodemou, the memory of that moment remains vivid. The quiet setting, the unexpected timing, and the emotional sincerity of the gesture made the proposal deeply meaningful.

“It was very special,” she said simply.

Those who know the couple say the proposal perfectly reflected the nature of their relationship—warm, genuine, and grounded in shared history rather than grand public spectacle.

Their romance had already been growing quietly for two years before the engagement announcement. While fans were aware of their relationship, the couple largely kept their personal life out of the spotlight, choosing to focus instead on their work and family.

That sense of privacy made the Valentine’s Day proposal feel even more intimate.

Love Both On-Screen and Off

One of the most unique aspects of Nicodemou and Stewart’s relationship is that they share both their personal lives and their professional world.

On Home and Away, their characters Leah Patterson and Justin Morgan have experienced an emotional journey filled with dramatic twists, heartfelt confessions, and moments of vulnerability. The storyline has been a favorite among viewers, many of whom have followed their characters’ ups and downs for years.

Working together on such emotionally charged material could be challenging for some couples. But Nicodemou says their shared profession has actually strengthened their relationship.

According to the actress, having a partner who understands the pressures of television production can make a huge difference.

“We can talk out anything we need to talk out,” she explained. “We can run lines together and prepare for scenes.”

At the same time, the couple also makes a conscious effort to separate work from their personal life whenever possible.

“But we can also forget about it all and just be with each other,” she added. “It’s good.”

For two actors immersed in the fast-paced world of soap storytelling, that balance appears to be essential.

Sharing the News With Fans

When the couple decided to share their engagement publicly, they did so in a way that captured the emotional authenticity of the moment.

Nicodemou posted a video of the proposal on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse into the heartfelt scene. The clip showed Stewart kneeling down and presenting her with a dazzling diamond ring while friends and loved ones looked on.

The caption was simple but powerful: “I said yes!!!”

The video quickly spread across social media, drawing an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike.

In the footage, Nicodemou can be seen accepting the proposal almost immediately before the couple share a joyful kiss. Cheers and applause erupt from those watching nearby, turning the intimate moment into a celebration.

For many viewers, the video felt like a real-life continuation of the love story they had watched unfold on television.

The Cast Reacts

Within hours of the announcement, fellow members of the Home and Away cast began flooding the comments section with congratulatory messages.

The show’s official account celebrated the news with an enthusiastic declaration: “THE MOST WONDERFUL NEWS.”

One of the most touching responses came from veteran actress Lynne McGranger, who famously portrayed Irene Roberts on the series for decades. Her message reflected the affection many colleagues feel for the couple.

“Oh my heart!! So thrilled for both of you!! Of course Jimmy proposed and you said yes on Valentine’s Day!! Excellent news!! Wishing you guys every happiness always.”

Meanwhile, Georgie Parker, who plays Roo Stewart on the soap, also shared her excitement about the engagement.

“Huge congratulations to you both,” she wrote. “Bloody wonderful.”

The responses highlighted the strong sense of family that has long defined the Home and Away cast.

A Real-Life Love Story

Nicodemou has been a cornerstone of the series for years, bringing warmth and emotional depth to her portrayal of Leah Patterson. Stewart, meanwhile, has become a key figure in the show’s modern era through his role as Justin Morgan.

Together, they have helped shape some of the series’ most memorable storylines.

Yet their real-life relationship adds an entirely new dimension to their on-screen chemistry. Fans often comment that the natural affection between the actors gives their characters’ scenes an added sense of authenticity.

Now, with their engagement confirmed, many viewers are celebrating the idea that the love story extends beyond the screen.

Looking Ahead

While the couple has not yet revealed specific plans for their wedding, Nicodemou’s comments suggest they are enjoying the excitement of their engagement and focusing on the happiness of the moment.

Balancing busy filming schedules with personal milestones can be challenging, but those close to the pair say they are approaching the future with the same warmth and humor that has defined their relationship so far.

For fans of Home and Away, the news has provided a refreshing reminder that sometimes real life can be just as romantic as fiction.

And as Leah and Justin continue navigating their dramatic storylines in Summer Bay, audiences will now watch knowing that the actors behind the characters are beginning an unforgettable new chapter together in their own lives.