Summer Bay is about to get a heart-stopping blast from the past as Home and Away announces the dramatic return of one of its most beloved on-screen couples,

Daryl “Brax” Braxton and Erica “Ricky” Sharp. Fans of the long-running Australian soap were sent into a frenzy after the official reveal that Steven Peacock and Bonnie Sveen —

the actors who immortalized the couple’s passionate romance — will be reprising their roles in a series of special episodes set to air in 2026. The pair, whose chemistry captivated viewers during

their original stint, have been away from Summer Bay for over a decade, leaving fans nostalgic for the iconic River Boys romance that dominated screens during the 2010s.

According to exclusive details, the highly anticipated storyline is being filmed in partnership with Tourism Western Australia and promises to transport viewers beyond the familiar northern beaches of Summer Bay for the first time in the show’s 36-year history. Instead of the sandy shores and familiar streets, audiences will follow Brax and Ricky into the vast, stunning landscapes of Western Australia, providing a cinematic backdrop that heightens the drama and stakes of their long-awaited return.

This ambitious new chapter for Home and Away is more than a nostalgic reunion; it is a chance to explore how the couple has evolved since their dramatic exit ten years ago. After driving off into the sunset together, Brax and Ricky’s lives have been shrouded in mystery — until now. The storyline aims to reveal the twists, turns, and challenges they’ve faced in the intervening years, blending romance, tension, and character-driven storytelling in true Home and Away fashion.

Steven Peacock, 43, who portrayed Brax, expressed his excitement about stepping back into the character’s shoes. “I’ll always be grateful to Home and Away for being the launch pad to my career,” he said. “I have a sincere appreciation for the fans who have followed my work since those early days. When the producers approached me about revisiting Brax, it felt like a fun and meaningful opportunity, and one I think the audience will really enjoy. Filming in spectacular Outback Western Australia is truly the icing on the cake.”

For Peacock, returning as Brax isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a chance to explore new layers of the charismatic River Boys leader. Fans can expect to see how his experiences over the past decade have shaped him, and how the fiery, passionate romance with Ricky has matured while still retaining the chemistry that made the pair a fan favorite.

Bonnie Sveen, 36, who played Ricky, shared her own delight at the announcement. “Bringing Ricky back wasn’t something I ever expected,” she admitted. “So, I’m beyond thrilled to reunite with Steven and old friends at Home and Away. Exploring where Ricky and Brax are now, ten years on, is going to make for a very special and compelling storyline. I can’t wait for our Western Australia filming adventure — the landscapes alone are breathtaking, and it’s going to add a whole new dimension to the show.”

The return of Brax and Ricky comes at a pivotal moment for Home and Away. The producers recently teased a high-stakes storyline that would take the show outside of Sydney’s northern beaches for the very first time. While viewers were initially left guessing, the return of one of the show’s most iconic couples now provides the perfect hook, blending familiar faces with the excitement of new locations and dramatic possibilities. Filming is scheduled to take place across multiple locations in Western Australia in October, promising sweeping visuals that contrast sharply with the usual coastal settings of Summer Bay.

The Brax and Ricky romance has long been considered one of the most compelling in Home and Away history. Their on-screen chemistry, combined with the drama of Brax’s leadership of the River Boys and Ricky’s feisty, independent spirit, created countless memorable moments that left viewers both breathless and emotionally invested. Reuniting the pair not only taps into nostalgia but also offers a fresh opportunity to explore the depth of their relationship, the challenges of life after leaving Summer Bay, and how time apart has affected both characters.

Fans are especially eager to see how the writers handle the evolution of the couple’s dynamic. Will Brax’s rebellious streak remain intact? Has Ricky’s resilience and determination been tempered by the trials of the past decade? The upcoming episodes promise to delve into these questions while delivering the intense emotional beats, twists, and cliffhangers that Home and Away is known for.

Both Peacock and Sveen have expressed gratitude for the enduring support of the show’s fan base. “It’s incredible to feel the love from viewers even after all these years,” Sveen said. “The energy from fans over social media has been amazing — they want to see Brax and Ricky back together, and we’re committed to delivering something truly special for them.”

The Western Australia setting also plays a key role in raising the stakes. Away from the familiar Summer Bay locations, the couple will encounter new challenges, both external and personal, providing a backdrop that amplifies tension and drama. Fans can expect breathtaking visuals of the Outback, scenic coastal towns, and possibly even action-packed sequences that highlight the rugged and unpredictable nature of the Australian landscape.

Behind the scenes, the production team is clearly pulling out all the stops to ensure that Brax and Ricky’s return lives up to expectations. From the meticulous choice of locations to scripting that balances nostalgia with character growth, the episodes are shaping up to be some of the most ambitious in the show’s history. Both Peacock and Sveen have emphasized that while they are excited for the spectacle, the heart of the story remains the emotional journey of the characters.

In addition to romance, the storyline promises to touch on broader themes such as loyalty, redemption, and the enduring power of love even after years of separation. For long-time viewers, this is more than just a return — it is a celebration of a storyline that helped define a generation of Home and Away fans.

The official air date for these special episodes is set for early 2026 on Channel 5, giving fans plenty of time to speculate, reminisce, and prepare for the drama to unfold. Given the combination of star power, nostalgic appeal, and sweeping new locations, expectations are sky-high, and the buzz surrounding Brax and Ricky’s return is likely to dominate Home and Away discussions for months to come.

As the soap continues to evolve after more than three decades on air, the return of Brax and Ricky underscores the show’s ability to blend legacy characters with fresh storytelling. It is a testament to Home and Away’s enduring appeal that fans can be as invested in past relationships as they are in new arcs, proving that the heart of the show always beats strongest when it comes to love, loyalty, and the bonds of Summer Bay.

In short, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Home and Away. The return of Brax and Ricky promises a perfect blend of nostalgia, drama, and romance, offering longtime fans the chance to reconnect with a beloved couple while welcoming them into a breathtaking new chapter of the show. From Summer Bay to the wild landscapes of Western Australia, Brax and Ricky’s journey is one viewers will not want to miss — and it is poised to remind audiences why these two characters remain iconic even a decade after they first stole our hearts.