For millions of Australians, the name Rebecca Breeds will forever be synonymous with the sun-drenched shores of Summer Bay. As Ruby Buckton on Home and Away, Breeds embodied a fiery,

troubled teen who stirred drama, heartbreak, and unforgettable storylines in the long-running soap. Years after leaving the series behind, however, it seems Rebecca just can’t shake

her Summer Bay past—even when she’s playing an entirely different role. In her upcoming film Kangaroo Island, Breeds’ new character Lou is worlds away from Ruby.

And yet, two unexpected Easter eggs buried in the script hark back to her Home and Away days, much to the delight of eagle-eyed fans.

When Life Imitates Art: The First Easter Egg

Speaking to Chatter, Rebecca revealed that the first reference to Home and Away in her new project came completely by chance.

“I couldn’t believe it,” she recalls with a laugh. “Sally Gford, the writer, had included this moment at the very start of the film where people recognize my character from a soap opera. But it wasn’t an Australian soap—it was meant to be an American one. They go, ‘Oh, you were Sasha the Tire Slasher.’ And I just froze. Because Ruby—my character in Home and Away—literally slashed tires and went to jail for it. It was a huge storyline, really contentious.”

The irony wasn’t lost on Breeds. When she asked the screenwriter if the reference was intentional, she discovered that Gford had no idea about Ruby Buckton’s infamous tire-slashing antics.

“I was like, what are the odds?” Rebecca continues, still amused by the coincidence. “How many characters out there have that same reputation? It just felt so synchronistic. It was one of those moments that makes you think, Okay, I’m exactly where I’m meant to be right now. This role is the right one for me.”

More Drama Than Home and Away

The second Easter egg, however, was no coincidence. Later in the film, tensions between Rebecca’s character Lou, her father, and her sister boil over. At the peak of the family drama, another character delivers a cheeky line: “There’s more drama than Home and Away.”

Rebecca laughs as she retells the moment. “That one was obviously intentional. Sally just couldn’t resist. And she’s right—Home and Away is known for its drama. But I actually loved it, because it acknowledges the fun, heightened storytelling of soaps, while also contrasting it with the raw, grounded family drama we’re exploring in this film.”

It’s a wink to long-time fans, but it also highlights how Home and Away remains etched into Australian culture, even shaping the way new stories are told.

The Story of Kangaroo Island

So what is this new film all about? Kangaroo Island follows the emotional journey of Lou, a South Australian woman who left her hometown behind to pursue the glitz and glamour of an acting career in Hollywood. But after a series of bad choices—and fate stepping in—Lou returns to Australia with her tail between her legs.

What unfolds is a story Rebecca describes as “a love letter to Australia.”

“Lou has to confront everything she ran away from,” she explains. “But in doing that, she baptizes herself in the beauty of Australia—its landscapes, its people, its culture. She doesn’t just come home to her family; she comes home to herself. That’s what makes it so moving.”

Rebecca admits that audiences might want to have tissues at the ready. “It tugs on the heartstrings. It will probably leave you in tears. But it’s cathartic. Lou finds healing, she finds joy, and in the process, she comes back to life. It’s inspirational, but it’s also fun. Lou’s a bit of a mess at first, but she rebuilds herself. That’s what makes it beautiful.”

From Ruby Buckton to Lou: Rebecca’s Evolution

Rebecca’s portrayal of Ruby Buckton in Home and Away remains one of the show’s most memorable arcs. Ruby was rebellious, passionate, and often destructive—a teenager navigating the complexities of love, loyalty, and identity. From her turbulent relationship with Xavier Austin to her shocking betrayal of friends, Ruby was a character who made waves in Summer Bay.

For Rebecca, those years were formative. “Home and Away gave me so much,” she says. “It was my training ground, my stepping stone. I got to learn from some of the best in the industry. And it introduced me to an audience that has been so supportive ever since.”

But Lou in Kangaroo Island is different. She’s older, more layered, more fragile in some ways. While Ruby was defined by impulsive decisions and teenage angst, Lou is grappling with adult regrets, fractured relationships, and the daunting task of starting over.

“Lou is a mirror for so many of us,” Rebecca explains. “She chased a dream, it didn’t turn out the way she hoped, and now she’s figuring out who she is without the illusions. It’s raw, it’s relatable, and it’s so rewarding to play a character with that much depth.”

The Symbolism of Homecoming

What makes Kangaroo Island resonate so powerfully is its universal theme of homecoming. For Rebecca herself, the story echoes her own journey. After finding success in Australia, she too ventured overseas, landing roles in international projects such as The Originals and Clarice. Yet, just like Lou, she admits there’s something grounding about reconnecting with her Australian roots.

“There’s a beauty in coming home,” she reflects. “Australia has this magic. No matter where you go, when you return, you feel something shift inside you. It’s grounding. It’s healing. And I think audiences will feel that through Lou’s story.”

The Easter eggs in Kangaroo Island prove one thing: for Rebecca Breeds, Summer Bay will always be a part of her. And perhaps that’s not something she wants to escape.

“Ruby was such a big part of my life,” Rebecca admits. “Even though I’ve moved on to other projects, it’s special when little nods like this come up. It’s like carrying a piece of that history with me.”

Her connection to Home and Away also underscores how deeply embedded the show is in Australia’s cultural DNA. It’s more than just a soap; it’s a rite of passage for actors, a shared memory for fans, and a launchpad for some of Australia’s biggest stars.

A Film to Watch

With Kangaroo Island poised for release, anticipation is building. Not just because it promises sweeping landscapes and heartfelt storytelling, but because it showcases Rebecca Breeds at her best—an actress who has grown from her soap opera roots into a performer capable of delivering nuanced, powerful roles.

For fans who remember her as Ruby, this film will feel like both a nostalgic nod and a bold step forward. And for those meeting her for the first time, it will be a dazzling introduction to an actress who continues to captivate audiences around the world.

As Rebecca herself says, “It’s beautiful, it’s emotional, and it’s inspiring. I think people are really going to connect with it.”