Happiness often comes in many forms, but for Home and Away stars and real-life partners Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart, laughter seems to be the cornerstone of their joyful life together. While audiences are familiar with their on-screen romance, their real-life love story evolved gradually, rooted in years of friendship and shared experiences on set.

Ada and James, both long-time fixtures on the popular Australian series, officially started dating in 2024 after years of being close colleagues and friends. Their relationship became public when they made their debut as a couple at the 2024 TV Week Logie Awards, turning heads with coordinated red carpet outfits and undeniable chemistry. James, now 50, credits their strong friendship as the foundation of their relationship, explaining that humor and laughter have been constants since the beginning. Ada, 48, echoes this sentiment, describing their bond as both joyful and grounding. She emphasizes that feeling genuinely happy and content with each other has been one of the most rewarding aspects of their partnership.

Off-screen, their camaraderie and light-hearted nature were evident during a special Home and Away Christmas shoot, where the pair were seen joking, dancing, and laughing throughout the day. Their real-life chemistry contrasts sharply with the struggles their characters face on the show. On-screen, Leah and Justin’s marriage has endured testing times, marked by grief, emotional distance, and the lingering pain of personal loss. Leah’s struggle to cope with the death of her nephew Theo has created tension between the couple, and with the season finale looming, their future together in 2026 remains uncertain.

Adding to the emotional weight of their storylines, Leah also had to bid farewell to her close friend Irene, who departed Summer Bay following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis—a storyline Ada admits was particularly challenging to portray. After a year filled with intense and emotionally taxing roles, Ada is embracing the chance for a refreshing change of scenery. Over Christmas, she and James plan to travel to Europe, with stops in Dublin and Oslo, where they hope to witness the northern lights. James is especially thrilled, as he has never experienced a white Christmas, while Ada has been preparing for the cold weather with thermals, boots, and warm coats.

Their travel adventures don’t end there. Next year, the couple intends to return to Europe with their children—Ada’s son Jonas and James’s daughter Scout—for an extended family journey. Destinations on their itinerary include Cyprus, Italy, France, Spain, and London, promising a blend of culture, history, and fun family experiences. The kids are already making their own requests, with Jonas expressing a strong desire to watch a Liverpool football match. Both Ada and James take pride in seeing their children adapt successfully to new challenges; Jonas and Scout have recently transitioned into year seven, excelling academically and demonstrating maturity beyond their years.

For James, reaching the milestone of 50 has become less about marking age and more about reflection. The milestone has prompted him to cherish life, love, and family more deeply. From overseas escapades to unforgettable moments closer to home—such as a memorable North Queensland holiday where James famously kissed a cane toad—the couple embraces life fully. They agree that with love and laughter at the center of their lives, they wouldn’t want it any other way.

Ada and James’s story is a testament to how enduring friendship, humor, and shared adventures can build a strong, resilient relationship. Their ability to balance the pressures of high-profile acting careers while nurturing a joyful family life showcases the importance of finding happiness in everyday moments. Together, they continue to plan new adventures, create lasting memories with their children, and demonstrate to fans that laughter and love are essential ingredients for a fulfilling life.

With exciting travel plans, a close-knit family, and a partnership built on trust and shared humor, Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart exemplify a modern love story where joy and adventure go hand in hand. Fans of Home and Away can continue to watch their on-screen journeys, but it is the off-screen warmth, laughter, and dedication to family that truly make their story remarkable.