For long-time Home and Away fans, few characters spark as much nostalgia—and unresolved emotion—as Ruby Buckton, played by the talented Rebecca Breeds.

Ruby’s journey through Summer Bay was one of the soap’s most heartbreaking arcs, as viewers watched her struggle with grief, loss, and self-destruction before she

was abruptly written out of the series in 2012. Over a decade later, Rebecca Breeds is opening up about her time on the show, the storylines that nearly brought her back,

and whether a return could finally give Ruby the redemption she deserves. And judging by her words, the door to Summer Bay is far from closed.

A Golden Era in Summer Bay

Rebecca Breeds’ tenure on Home and Away is remembered as part of the show’s “golden era.” She starred alongside a now-iconic ensemble that included Luke Mitchell (her real-life husband, who played Romeo Smith), Samara Weaving (Indi Walker), Esther Anderson (Charlie Buckton), and Stephen Peacocke (Darryl “Brax” Braxton). Together, they created some of the soap’s most gripping drama—romances, betrayals, losses, and the high-stakes storylines that have made Home and Away a global television staple.

With Stephen Peacocke recently confirming his own dramatic return to the show as Brax, fans are buzzing with speculation: could Rebecca Breeds be next in line for a comeback?

When asked the big question, the actress’s response was immediate and emphatic: “Hell yeah.”

“I loved that show, and I never say never about things,” Rebecca told Chattr in a recent interview. “It’s just a matter of timing and place. Right now, we’re in Chicago, but Australia is still home. I would love to work in Sydney again. So, you know, watch this space.”

“Justice for Ruby”

Breeds has always been vocal about how unfairly Ruby’s story ended. After years of character growth and resilience, Ruby spiraled out of control in her final chapters—turning to alcohol, alienating her loved ones, and ultimately exiting Summer Bay with her reputation in tatters.

“I wanna vindicate Ruby!” Rebecca said passionately. “She got a really hard rap at the end there. She was smooshed into the ground. It was unfair. I say justice for Ruby.”

The actress admitted that portraying Ruby’s downward spiral was personally taxing.

“She lost her mum, right? And then she turned to alcohol. I almost had a mental breakdown because every time I got a script, I’d be like, ‘What do you mean it’s worse?! What do you mean?!’.”

It’s this lingering sense of injustice that fuels Rebecca’s hope for a comeback. For her, a return wouldn’t just be about nostalgia—it would be about rewriting Ruby’s legacy.

Ruby’s Possible Future

If Ruby were to return to Home and Away, Rebecca already has a clear vision for how the character’s arc should unfold.

“My hope would be that Ruby turned it around and became a child psychologist who helps girls,” she mused. “The show was built around wayward kids who found their way to Summer Bay and were fostered and cared for by the community. That’s kind of what Ruby would do. She’d come full circle.”

It’s a poetic vision: Ruby, once a lost and broken girl, returning stronger than ever, ready to guide others who are fighting the same battles she once faced.

A Missed Opportunity

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the writers considered bringing Ruby back. Rebecca revealed that she was actually invited to return to Summer Bay years ago, but scheduling conflicts meant it didn’t happen.

“There was an opportunity years ago,” she shared. “There was a storyline where the River Boys went to England, and they did want me to come back. I was working on a show called We Are Men at the time, and I couldn’t do it.”

Though that return never materialized, it’s proof that Ruby was never forgotten by the creative team—and with fan demand stronger than ever, the idea of revisiting her story remains tantalizingly possible.

From Summer Bay to Hollywood

Since leaving Home and Away in 2012, Rebecca Breeds has carved out an enviable international career. She became a familiar face in U.S. television, starring in Pretty Little Liars, The Originals, Legacies, and most recently taking on the lead role of Clarice Starling in CBS’s Clarice. Her ability to embody complex, layered women has made her one of Australia’s most successful television exports.

Yet despite her flourishing career abroad, the actress admits she still holds a special place in her heart for Summer Bay.

“It’s a big, wide world with lots of exciting adventures and jobs,” she reflected. “But we love home, and I can’t wait to be home.”

Currently, Rebecca lives in Chicago with Luke Mitchell and their baby, balancing family life with an ever-growing list of acting projects. Still, she insists the idea of returning to Home and Away is far from out of reach.

A Perfect Storm for a Return?

The timing for a Ruby Buckton comeback has never been more perfect. Stephen Peacocke is set to reprise his role as Brax in 2026, sparking speculation about a new era for the River Boys storyline. With beloved alumni returning, fans are eagerly manifesting the possibility of Ruby rejoining the fold.

And for Rebecca, the timing could finally align. With her career secure, her family settled, and her desire to work in Sydney rekindled, a return to Summer Bay feels not only possible—but likely.

Imagine it: Ruby walking back into the Bay, not as the broken teenager she once was, but as a woman transformed—strong, compassionate, and ready to reclaim her story. It’s the kind of dramatic twist Home and Away thrives on, and one that fans would embrace wholeheartedly.

Fan Reaction: The Push for “Justice for Ruby”

Among long-time viewers, Ruby remains a polarizing character, but one thing is clear—her exit felt incomplete. Social media is already buzzing with speculation about her potential return, with hashtags like #JusticeForRuby and #BringBackRuby gaining traction.

For many, the character’s comeback would provide closure to a story that ended too abruptly, while also giving the next generation of Summer Bay teens a mentor figure unlike any they’ve had before.

“Ruby was flawed, but she was real,” one fan wrote online. “She deserves a second chance, and Rebecca deserves to bring her back full circle.”

The Verdict

So, will Ruby Buckton finally return to Summer Bay? At this stage, nothing is confirmed. But Rebecca Breeds has made one thing crystal clear: she’s ready, willing, and excited at the prospect.

And if Home and Away has taught us anything, it’s that in Summer Bay, the past never stays buried forever.

For fans who have waited over a decade, the dream of seeing Ruby back on-screen—stronger, wiser, and ready to reclaim her story—may finally be within reach.

Until then, we’ll keep watching this space. Because in soapland, you never say never.