Next week in Home and Away, Summer Bay faces yet another emotional storm as Irene Roberts stuns her closest friends and family with a life-changing decision.
After decades of calling the Bay her home, Irene shocks her loved ones by revealing plans to sell her house and travel the world. Her reasoning is both heartbreaking
and inspiring: she wants to seize the time she has left while she can, following her recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
But while Irene is determined to take control of her future, not everyone in her circle agrees that this bold move is the right one. Leah Patterson, Dana Matheson, and Alf Stewart—three of the people who love her most—are left reeling, each struggling to accept what Irene sees as her only way forward.
Elsewhere in Summer Bay, Roo Stewart grapples with the devastating impact of Cohen Luther’s biological father turning up, throwing her adoption dreams into disarray. And in a surprising turn of events, Remi Carter begins to rebuild his life with the help of Eden Fowler and Bree Cameron, setting the stage for possible redemption.
Our 36-picture preview teases the week’s dramatic highs and heartbreaking lows.
Irene’s Determination to Live Life to the Fullest
Irene Roberts has long been the heart of Summer Bay—a matriarch whose resilience, warmth, and wisdom have supported countless friends through their darkest hours. But now, in the wake of her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Irene is faced with a deeply personal question: how should she spend whatever time she has left before her illness progresses?
At first, Irene channels her energy into clearing out her belongings, gifting sentimental items to those she loves most. It is an attempt to prepare herself, and them, for what lies ahead. Yet as conversations with her new confidant Sonny Baldwin unfold, Irene begins to consider whether she is playing it too safe. Sonny refuses to coddle her, unlike others who tiptoe around her diagnosis. Instead, he encourages her to think bigger—reminding her that her condition doesn’t have to limit her spirit.
This sparks something within Irene. Suddenly, her sadness about all the places she’s never visited turns into resolve. By midweek, she delivers a bombshell to Leah, Dana, and Sonny: she’s putting her house up for sale so she can travel the world.
The Fallout: Shock, Resistance, and Conflict
Leah Patterson, one of Irene’s dearest friends, is stunned. For Leah, the house represents safety, community, and permanence. The idea of Irene abandoning it feels reckless, even frightening. Dana Matheson quickly echoes Leah’s concerns, labeling the decision a mistake. Both women argue that Irene needs stability and support now more than ever, not the uncertainty of life on the road.
But Irene is resolute. She insists she has thought it through carefully and will make sure safeguards are in place. In her mind, this is not about giving up—it’s about living fully before her illness robs her of the chance.
Sonny, meanwhile, feels a pang of guilt. His earlier encouragement has clearly influenced Irene’s decision, and while he supports her, he is unprepared for the backlash. Dana directs her frustration at him, accusing him of fueling an unrealistic dream.
The emotional debate escalates further when Leah returns with reinforcements: Alf Stewart. If anyone can talk sense into Irene, Leah believes it’s Alf. But even Alf’s steady, fatherly presence cannot sway her. Irene refuses to back down, making it clear that this is her path and no one will stop her.
Roo’s Struggles with Cohen’s Future
While Irene’s shocking decision dominates the Bay, Roo Stewart faces her own emotional turmoil. Her hopes of adopting Cohen Luther are thrown into chaos when Adrian Purcell, a man claiming to be Cohen’s biological father, arrives in town.
Initially, the police intervene, insisting on a DNA test to prove Adrian’s claim. But Roo’s world is shaken further when Adrian disregards the rules and boldly approaches Cohen in public. Roo is furious, fearing the emotional toll this will take on the boy she has come to love like her own.
Cohen, understandably confused, begins to question whether Adrian truly is his father. Roo calls Cash Newman for help, and while Cash steps in to defuse the immediate situation, he later listens to Adrian’s heartfelt story. For the first time, Cash begins to wonder whether Adrian deserves a chance to be in Cohen’s life.
For Roo, this is devastating. Already grieving the delay in her adoption plans, she is forced to confront the painful possibility that Cohen’s future may lie with someone else.
Remi’s Redemption?
Amid the heartbreak, Remi Carter begins a tentative journey toward redemption. His relationship with Bree Cameron has been hanging by a thread following past betrayals involving cheating and substance abuse. Eden Fowler sees a chance to help repair the damage when she encourages Remi to perform at an upcoming gig.
At first, Remi resists. Music, once his lifeline, is also tied to some of his worst mistakes. He fears stepping back into that world will only reopen old wounds. But with Eden’s encouragement, and Bree’s quiet hope that music might bring healing, Remi reluctantly agrees.
The decision represents more than just a return to the stage—it signals Remi’s willingness to fight for his future. As he prepares for the gig, Bree watches with cautious optimism, unsure if this is the turning point they both desperately need.
What This Means for Summer Bay
The week’s events push Summer Bay’s residents into uncharted territory. Irene’s choice to sell her home and travel is more than just a personal decision—it’s the possible end of an era. For decades, her house has been a cornerstone of the community, a place of refuge and comfort. Her departure could leave a hole that no one else can fill.
For Leah and Alf, the fear of losing Irene in more ways than one is overwhelming. Their inability to change her mind forces them to face a heartbreaking truth: sometimes, loving someone means letting them go.