Home and Away fans are in for a sensational treat as the beloved soap announces the return of one of its most iconic couples. After ten long years away

from Summer Bay, Darryl “Brax” Braxton and Erica “Ricky” Sharpe are set to make a triumphant return, promising high-stakes drama, emotional payoffs,

and a nostalgic journey fans won’t want to miss.

The couple, portrayed by Stephen Peacocke and Bonnie Sveen, captured the hearts of viewers during their original run. Their chemistry, turbulent storylines, and unforgettable moments made them fan favorites, with their romance still fondly remembered as one of Home and Away’s most legendary pairings. Now, in a bold and exciting move, producers are bringing Brax and Ricky back for a special “landmark event,” ten years after audiences last saw the duo together on screen.

A Decade in the Making

Stephen Peacocke, who first joined Home and Away as Brax, played the brooding, complex bad boy for five years, navigating everything from gang rivalries to heart-wrenching family drama. Bonnie Sveen, meanwhile, played Ricky Sharpe, whose steadfast loyalty and courageous spirit perfectly complemented Brax’s fiery personality. Their final storyline together saw the couple leaving Summer Bay after Brax’s wrongful imprisonment for a murder he did not commit, a plot that had viewers on the edge of their seats. Since then, the pair’s lives off-screen have been a mystery—until now.

The upcoming episodes promise to explore what Brax and Ricky have been up to since their dramatic exit in 2016. Filming in various locations across Western Australia, the episodes will mark a first for the soap: capturing the rugged beauty of WA’s outback as the backdrop for the couple’s new chapter. Early previews suggest the storyline will combine emotional reunions, lingering tensions, and unexpected drama, offering fans a glimpse into how life has changed for Brax and Ricky over the past decade.

Actors Return to Beloved Roles

Stephen Peacocke expressed his excitement about revisiting Brax. “I’ll always be grateful to Home and Away for being the launchpad to my career, and I’ve got a sincere appreciation for the fans who’ve followed my work since,” he said. “When the producers asked if I’d revisit Brax, it felt like a fun opportunity—and one I think the audience will really enjoy.”

Bonnie Sveen shared similar enthusiasm. “Exploring where Ricky and Brax are now, ten years on, will make for a very special and compelling storyline—and I can’t wait for our WA filming adventure,” she said. She admitted that she “never expected” to return to the role but jumped at the opportunity to see where Ricky’s journey has taken her.

Filming is scheduled to begin in October, with episodes set to air sometime in 2026. Fans can expect to see not only the familiar faces of Brax and Ricky but also the emotional depth and layered storytelling that made their original arc so memorable.

The Power of Brax and Ricky

Brax and Ricky’s original storyline resonated with viewers because it blended romance, suspense, and moral complexity. Brax, a tough but loyal figure, often found himself in situations where his past and his sense of justice collided. Ricky, as his partner in love and life, stood steadfast by him, navigating the challenges of family, loyalty, and community alongside him. Their chemistry brought a compelling dynamic to Summer Bay, making their reunion all the more anticipated.

This return is more than just a nod to nostalgia. Producers have partnered with the Western Australia tourism board to create an immersive storyline that showcases the region’s dramatic landscapes, elevating the soap to cinematic heights rarely seen on Australian television. The rugged outback setting promises not only stunning visuals but also storylines filled with adventure, conflict, and the tension that comes from being away from the familiar safety of Summer Bay.

A Journey Fans Have Been Waiting For

For long-time fans, the return of Brax and Ricky is a moment of pure excitement. Their exit a decade ago left a gap in the soap’s narrative, with only occasional mentions of their whereabouts since their departure. Now, audiences will finally discover how the couple has evolved—personally, emotionally, and relationally—since leaving Summer Bay.

Soap fans have come to expect twists and turns in their favorite shows, and the return of such a legendary couple is likely to deliver just that. Will old rivalries resurface? How has life changed for Brax after his imprisonment and time away? And most importantly, how has Ricky’s journey shaped her into the woman she is today? These are the questions that fans are eagerly awaiting answers to, with social media already buzzing with speculation and excitement.

The Cultural Impact of Iconic Soap Couples

Brax and Ricky are not the only iconic soap couple to capture the hearts of fans over the years. From EastEnders’ Phil Mitchell and Lisa Shaw to Coronation Street’s Tina McIntyre, and Emmerdale’s Emma Barton, soap operas have long relied on memorable couples to drive storylines and engage audiences. Like these legendary pairings, Brax and Ricky’s chemistry, combined with high-stakes drama and emotional storytelling, has cemented their place in Australian soap history.

Their return also highlights the broader appeal of long-running soap operas: the ability to bring back beloved characters for new storylines while honoring their original journeys. This blending of nostalgia and fresh drama ensures that both longtime viewers and new audiences remain captivated.

Looking Ahead

As Home and Away prepares for this landmark event, fans can expect a season of heightened emotion, breathtaking locations, and the powerful return of one of the soap’s most enduring couples. Stephen Peacocke and Bonnie Sveen’s reprisal of Brax and Ricky promises to combine the familiar warmth of Summer Bay with the thrill of new adventures, offering a storyline that honors the past while propelling the characters into an exciting future.

For the fans who have followed Brax and Ricky’s journey since their original run, this return is not just a reunion—it’s a celebration of love, resilience, and the enduring power of storytelling. With production underway and excitement building, it’s clear that the legendary couple’s comeback will be one of the most talked-about events in Australian television in 2026.

As the soap continues to captivate audiences with compelling storylines, complex characters, and breathtaking locations, the return of Brax and Ricky stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of Home and Away. After ten years away, the couple is back, and Summer Bay—and the world—cannot wait to see what happens next.