Under the brilliant Australian sun, the waves crash gently against Palm Beach — the iconic backdrop of Home and Away. For actress Maddison Brown, this stunning stretch of coastline isn’t just

a filming location; it’s her office, her playground, and her slice of paradise. “I was just shooting at the beach today,” she says with a wide smile. “It was such a beautiful day —

a pod of dolphins even went by in the water. Every time I’m up here, I think, ‘Wow, I can’t believe this is our office.’”

Brown, best known for The Kettering Incident and Dynasty, has now firmly cemented herself in the hearts of Home and Away fans with her role as Jo Langham, a compassionate yet troubled cardiac nurse. But while her on-screen persona navigates emotional turmoil, off-screen Maddison is embracing life, love, and laughter — splitting her time between Australia and the picturesque beaches of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

“I love New Zealand,” she gushes. “I’m actually spending Christmas there this year — Meri Kirihimete!” With her Kiwi fiancé, actor Simon Mead (The Gone), by her side, Brown’s love affair with the land of the long white cloud runs deep. “Simon and I absolutely love Queenstown,” she says, recalling their time there while Mead was filming Under The Vines. “We’ve also spent time exploring the Bay of Islands and the Bay of Plenty. They’re just magical places.”

A Dream Job in Paradise

Filming Home and Away at Palm Beach in Sydney is as idyllic as it sounds. The sweeping coastline, golden sands, and sunlit waves create the perfect setting for the long-running soap that has defined Australian television for decades. “It doesn’t get more iconic than Home and Away,” Brown admits. “Every time I see Ray Meagher, who’s played Alf Stewart for 37 years, I think, ‘I can’t believe this is my life.’ I grew up watching this show — it still feels surreal.”

After more than a decade working abroad — including an 11-year stint in the United States starring in Strangerland alongside Nicole Kidman and later in the Dynasty reboot — Brown feels like she’s exactly where she’s meant to be. “I’m having truly the best time,” she says warmly. “Everyone in the cast is such a joy to work with. It just means the world to me that I can be in Sydney, doing what I love, surrounded by such incredible people.”

Jo Langham’s Painful Past

While Maddison’s real life seems blissfully sunny, her character Jo is weathering emotional storms. Before moving to Summer Bay, Jo’s life was shattered when her mother, Kristina, was killed in a car accident — one that occurred while Jo was behind the wheel. Haunted by fragmented memories and crushing guilt, Jo has spent much of her time trying to make sense of what really happened that tragic day.

Her sister Lacey (played by Sophea Pennington) has never forgiven her, placing the blame for their mother’s death squarely on Jo’s shoulders. Their father David (Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, The Last Anniversary) followed Lacey to the Bay in hopes of healing the fractured family, but reconciliation has proven difficult.

Now, the story is poised for a major turning point. Jo, desperate for answers and redemption, decides to undergo hypnotherapy — a move that could either bring closure or reopen old wounds. “Jo’s desire to heal and bring her family back together is what drives her,” Brown explains. “She’s determined to find the truth, no matter how painful it might be.”

Family Bonds On and Off Screen

Behind the camera, the Langham family dynamic has blossomed into something special. “We all really click,” Brown says fondly of her co-stars. “Jeremy feels like a real father figure for Sophea and me. We just love him — he’s such a grounding presence. Honestly, we couldn’t have gotten luckier with each other.”

Having two sisters of her own, Brown naturally brings authenticity to Jo’s complicated relationship with Lacey. “Sophea and I have a real sisterly dynamic. We tease each other, we laugh all the time — it’s just so much fun,” she shares. “And it’s been really lovely to see our characters’ relationship evolving. They’ve had a lot to work through, but it’s beautiful watching them finally start to rebuild their bond.”

Finding Home in the Bay

Maddison’s journey back to Australian television has been both a professional and personal renaissance. After years of high-pressure roles abroad, the slower pace and tight-knit community of Home and Away have offered her a welcome sense of grounding. “Working overseas was amazing — I learned so much,” she says. “But there’s something special about coming home. This show has such a legacy, and to be part of that is incredibly meaningful.”

The actress says she’s constantly inspired by her co-stars, who bring decades of experience and heart to the set. “It’s like one big family,” she adds. “From the crew to the actors, everyone cares deeply about what we create together. There’s a real sense of pride in continuing something that has meant so much to so many people for nearly four decades.”

A Bright Future Ahead

As Home and Away continues to captivate audiences with its signature blend of beachside beauty and heartfelt drama, Brown hints that Jo’s storyline is only just beginning. “There’s so much more to come,” she teases. “We’ll see Jo uncover some shocking truths about the accident and face decisions that could change her life forever. It’s going to be an emotional ride.”

Off-screen, Maddison remains grounded and grateful. When she’s not filming, she spends her time outdoors, exploring coastal walks or jetting across the Tasman to visit Simon in New Zealand. “Life’s good,” she says simply. “I feel lucky every day — to be doing what I love, surrounded by people I adore, and to wake up to the sound of the ocean. That’s a dream come true.”