The sun-soaked shores of Summer Bay are about to witness one of the most emotional chapters in Home and Away’s recent history. Next week in the UK episodes, fans will see Mackenzie Booth (Emily Weir)

and Levi Fowler (Tristan Gorey) face a heartbreaking turning point in their IVF journey — a storyline that has already gripped audiences with its raw honesty and emotional intensity.

For Mackenzie and Levi, the road to parenthood has been filled with hope, setbacks, and difficult choices. But now, with their IVF treatment reaching its most critical stage,

the couple will finally learn whether their dream of becoming parents is about to come true — or if their hearts will once again be shattered.

A Spark of Inspiration

The desire for a family didn’t come out of nowhere. Earlier this year, Mackenzie found herself inspired during a visit to Queensland, where she spent time with Dean Thompson (Patrick O’Connor), Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman), and their young daughter Izzy. Watching Dean and Ziggy embrace the joy — and chaos — of parenthood stirred something deep within Mackenzie.

That glimpse of family life planted the seed of possibility. Could she and Levi share that same happiness? Could they create a family of their own in Summer Bay? Fueled by love and determination, Mackenzie returned home ready to try.

The Struggle Begins

At first, Mackenzie and Levi threw themselves into trying for a baby naturally, clinging to the hope that it would happen quickly. But as weeks turned into months with no positive result, the couple’s optimism began to waver.

Confused, they decided to seek medical advice. Both underwent fertility testing, bracing themselves for difficult answers. Yet the results revealed something unexpected: neither had any medical complications. Physically, they were both capable of conceiving.

That knowledge was bittersweet. While it ruled out serious health issues, it also left them with no clear explanation for their struggles. Why wasn’t it working?

A Family Secret Revealed

Searching for answers, Mackenzie turned to her mother, Tanya, and uncovered a surprising truth that changed everything. Tanya revealed that she too had faced fertility challenges years ago — and that Mackenzie herself had been conceived through IVF.

For Mackenzie, the revelation was both startling and strangely comforting. Suddenly, the difficulties she and Levi were facing didn’t feel so inexplicable. Instead, it felt like history repeating itself. And with that, the couple made the life-changing decision to pursue IVF.

The Emotional Toll of IVF

The decision was only the beginning of a journey filled with hope, exhaustion, and sacrifice. The physical demands of IVF took their toll on Mackenzie, whose body reacted to the treatments with fatigue, cramps, and mood swings. Levi’s ever-present concern — though well-intentioned — sometimes wore on her nerves, as she battled not just physical side effects but the mental weight of the process.

Yet amid the challenges came moments of optimism. When doctors revealed that seven follicles had matured, Mackenzie and Levi finally felt their efforts might be paying off. Seven potential eggs meant seven chances. The possibility of parenthood felt closer than ever.

The Crucial Procedure

Next week, fans will watch as Mackenzie undergoes the pivotal egg retrieval procedure. Anxious yet determined, she places her trust in the medical team, while Levi stands firmly by her side, reminding her of how far they’ve come.

The procedure proves successful, and their doctor delivers promising news: all seven eggs have been collected. For the first time in months, the couple allows themselves to breathe — and to hope. Even if only one embryo matures, that would be enough to move forward.

Their cautious optimism radiates through the screen, and fans will share in their fragile joy. But as Home and Away so often reminds us, in Summer Bay, happiness can be heartbreakingly fleeting.

The Devastating Call

Later in the week, the moment they’ve been waiting for finally arrives. Mackenzie receives the phone call that will determine the next chapter of their lives.

But instead of the joyous news they’ve longed for, devastation strikes. None of the embryos have matured. Their cycle has failed. The hope they clung to is shattered in an instant.

Returning home, Mackenzie collapses into Levi’s arms, consumed by grief. The dream of holding their own baby feels further away than ever. And while Levi tries to stay strong, the devastation in his eyes makes it clear: both are broken by the loss.

A Test of Love and Resilience

This crushing blow doesn’t just test their hopes for a family — it tests their relationship itself. Can Mackenzie and Levi find the strength to pick themselves up and try again? IVF is emotionally, physically, and financially exhausting, and not every couple has the resilience to continue after such devastation.

Yet, if Mackenzie’s past has shown us anything, it’s that she’s a fighter. From heartbreaks to health battles, she has always found a way to push forward. The question now is whether she and Levi can summon that same strength together.

Why This Storyline Matters

Home and Away has long been praised for its willingness to explore sensitive, real-world issues. The IVF storyline resonates deeply with viewers, many of whom will recognize their own experiences in Mackenzie and Levi’s journey.

By tackling the emotional highs and devastating lows of fertility treatment, the show shines a spotlight on a struggle that is often private and isolating. Through Mackenzie and Levi, the soap gives voice to the countless couples navigating the same uncertain path.

What’s Next for Mackenzie and Levi?

While this chapter ends in heartbreak, the story is far from over. Will Mackenzie and Levi attempt another round of IVF, despite the risks and emotional toll? Could they consider other avenues, such as adoption or surrogacy? Or will the weight of failure prove too heavy, forcing them to reconsider what family means?

Fans can expect the fallout of this devastating update to ripple through Summer Bay in the weeks ahead. Friends and loved ones will no doubt rally to support the couple, but the ultimate decision rests in their hands.

A Storyline That Stays With You

In the end, Mackenzie and Levi’s IVF storyline is more than just another plot twist — it’s a deeply human story about resilience, love, and the fragile nature of hope. As viewers, we are invited not only to witness their struggle but to feel it with them.

And as Mackenzie sobs in Levi’s arms, asking whether their dream of becoming parents will ever come true, Home and Away once again proves why it remains one of television’s most enduring dramas: it captures life in all its beauty and heartbreak.