Grief and Guilt Consume Summer Bay

Next week on Home and Away, Leah Patterson’s world shatters as she struggles to cope with the devastating loss of her nephew Theo Poulos. The tragedy leaves the entire Bay reeling — and Leah searching for someone to blame. But when Theo’s mother arrives, the heartbreak takes a cruel turn.

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Leah’s Grief Turns to Anger

Having shut herself away since Theo’s shocking death, Leah (Ada Nicodemou) finally steps outside — but her grief quickly transforms into rage. She lashes out at Lacey (Sophea Pennington), convinced that Theo would still be alive if he hadn’t become entangled in her feud with corrupt councillor Wendell (Justin Smith).

The truth behind the tragedy is harrowing. Wendell, who killed David’s wife in an earlier hit-and-run, was being blackmailed by Lacey to confess. At their arranged meeting, he turned his car on her — but Theo pushed her clear, taking the full impact himself. He died instantly, a hero’s death.

As Lacey clings to Theo’s final words — and the moment she quietly hinted she’d marry him if he asked — Leah can’t see past her pain. Her fury blinds her to the grief of others, setting the stage for a painful confrontation.

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Theo’s Mother Returns — and Turns on Leah

When Theo’s mother, Cassandra (Felicity Price), arrives in Summer Bay, emotions explode. Shocked to discover how little she knew about her son’s life — and the chaos surrounding him — Cassandra blames Leah for failing to protect him.

In a heartbreaking scene at the police station, Cassandra delivers a devastating blow: she forbids Leah from attending Theo’s funeral.

“It’s awful because Leah loved Theo like her own son,” Ada Nicodemou explains. “To be told she’s to blame — and to be denied the chance to say goodbye — is unbearable. Deep down, Leah believes it too.”

Overwhelmed by guilt and loss, Leah spirals into despair, unable to find peace as the community prepares to farewell Theo.