After another powerful year in Summer Bay, Home and Away icons Georgie Parker and Ray Meagher are reflecting on the stories that shaped 2025 and hinting that even bigger twists lie ahead. As two of the show’s most respected and enduring figures, their voices carry weight, not just because of longevity, but because of the deep emotional history they share with the series, its characters, and its audience.

For more than 15 years, Georgie Parker and Ray Meagher have portrayed one of the show’s most cherished father daughter relationships through Roo and Alf Stewart. What viewers see on screen, however, is only part of the story. Behind the scenes, their bond has grown into something rooted in trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to storytelling. As they look back on the year that was, both actors speak with warmth, pride, and a quiet sense of responsibility toward the legacy they are helping to protect.

Georgie Parker describes the past year as one filled with emotional resonance. Roo’s journey has continued to evolve, shaped by family ties, community responsibility, and the ever shifting moral landscape of Summer Bay. Working alongside Ray Meagher, she says, remains one of the most grounding experiences of her career. Their partnership, forged over years of shared scenes and character development, allows them to approach even the most dramatic material with confidence and nuance.

Ray Meagher, who has embodied Alf Stewart for more than 37 years, remains the undeniable heart of the show. His presence is not just symbolic, it is structural. Georgie openly admits that as long as Ray remains part of the series, she has no intention of stepping away. In her eyes, Alf Stewart is not just a character, but a living thread that connects generations of viewers, cast, and crew.

She speaks candidly about Ray’s work ethic, praising his discipline and focus on set. While Georgie values balance and protecting her personal life, she credits Ray’s unwavering dedication as the key to his remarkable longevity. Every scene, no matter how small, is treated with care. That consistency, she believes, is why audiences continue to invest emotionally in Alf after decades on screen.

Ray, for his part, reflects on a year that blended nostalgia with forward momentum. One of the highlights was reuniting on screen with former co star Steven Peacocke, an experience he describes as both rewarding and emotionally grounded. Revisiting shared history brought a sense of continuity, reminding viewers that Summer Bay never truly forgets its own.

Fans already know that Steven Peacocke’s popular character Brax, alongside Ricky Sharpe played by Bonnie Sveen, is set to return in 2026. Much of their comeback was filmed in Western Australia, giving the storyline a fresh visual energy while staying rooted in the emotional DNA of the show. Ray hints that Alf may cross paths with Brax once again, a prospect that has already sparked excitement among long time viewers.

Reflecting on those scenes, Ray explains that the material was thoughtful rather than sensational. Instead of relying purely on shock, the story focused on life choices, consequences, and the road ahead. It is a reminder that Home and Away works best when it balances drama with heart, something both actors believe is essential to the show’s continued success.

Looking even further back into the show’s history, Ray reveals there is another former cast member he would love to see return to Summer Bay. In his view, few characters loom as large in the series’ legacy as Sally Fletcher, portrayed by Kate Ritchie. Alongside Brax, Sally represents an era that shaped the emotional foundation of the show.

Whether such a return is possible remains uncertain, but Ray believes the affection audiences still hold for Sally is undeniable. Her story, like Alf’s, is woven into the identity of Home and Away, and her absence is still felt by fans who grew up watching her navigate life in the Bay.

Both Georgie and Ray express deep gratitude for the careers television has given them. For Georgie, whose work spans decades of Australian drama, the connection with viewers remains profoundly meaningful. She shares that being recognized by fans often tells its own story. Some call her Roo, others Georgie, and that distinction reflects the different journeys audiences have taken alongside her work.

As the festive season approaches, Ray is looking forward to a well earned break with his wife Gilly at their Sunshine Beach home in Queensland. After another demanding year of filming, his plans are refreshingly simple: rest, recharge, and enjoy the quiet before returning to the controlled chaos of Summer Bay.

Georgie, meanwhile, is focused on family. She speaks emotionally about the privilege of still having her parents, stepfather, and siblings close. Time with loved ones, she says, is the greatest gift of all, especially after a year spent carrying emotionally intense storylines.

Looking ahead to 2026, Ray teases that Summer Bay may not stay peaceful for long. With a knowing smile, he hints at potential trouble, particularly where Alf and his driving skills are concerned. It is a light hearted tease, but one that suggests familiar characters may soon find themselves facing unexpected challenges.

Georgie closes with a reflection on the importance of Home and Away in the current television landscape, especially following the end of Neighbours. She believes the show remains a vital training ground for emerging talent and a rare example of a long running series that prioritizes care, safety, and creative support.

As Home and Away prepares to return to Australian screens on January 19, 2026, continuing its legacy on Channel 7*, one thing is clear. With Georgie Parker and Ray Meagher at its core, Summer Bay’s heart is still beating strong, and the stories yet to come promise emotion, nostalgia, and drama in equal measure.