Fans of Home and Away have reason to rejoice: Brax and Ricky are set to return to Summer Bay in 2026, marking over a decade since their last regular appearances. Daryl Braxton and Ricky Sharp, iconic characters whose storylines dominated the series, are coming back after ten years, offering viewers a glimpse into how their lives have evolved since leaving Summer Bay in 2016.
For context, Brax first arrived in 2011 as the formidable leader of the River Boys, a surf gang from Mangrove River. The gang’s antics and Brax’s complex relationships became central to the show for years. Ricky Sharp entered later as the younger sister of Adam Sharpe, initially arriving with a plan to seek revenge on Brax. However, over time, she softened toward him, and the pair fell in love. Their romance was intense but fraught with complications, including Brax’s dark past and entanglements with other characters such as Josh Barrett.
Ricky chose to stay with Brax despite the danger and uncertainty, but tragedy struck repeatedly. Brax accidentally killed Josh’s father, Johnny, leading to a prison sentence, and Ricky faced the heartbreak of a miscarriage following a bombing. Amid these turbulent events, she found herself drawn to Nate, forming a brief but intense connection. The revelation that Johnny was still alive and that Adam, not Brax, had killed him only added layers of complexity. Eventually, Ricky went to London for a photography assignment as Brax was released, leaving unresolved tension between her, Brax, and Nate.
In London, Brax suffered a serious accident but defied medical advice to return to Australia, determined to reconnect with Ricky. Their bond endured despite past traumas, including raising Heath’s son, Harley, and navigating complex relationships with other River Boys like Ash. Brax was later sentenced to 20 years in prison for a crime he initially accepted responsibility for but ultimately had a plea withdrawn. During his incarceration, Ricky gave birth to their son, Casey, and the pair faced even more challenges, including Brax’s near-fatal escape attempt and subsequent disappearance.
Over time, Ricky moved on with Nate, and the two became engaged. Yet the revelation that Brax had survived reignited old emotions. Ricky helped track him down, leading to Brax’s return and a final, emotionally charged decision: to stay close to their extended family in Summer Bay. Ultimately, Brax and Ricky decided to leave for a fresh start, leaving behind Nate, Ash, and Phoebe.
Since their departure, actors Steven Peacock (Brax) and Bonnie Sween (Ricky) have built successful careers in Australia and the US. Peacock starred in shows such as Five Bedrooms, Wanted, and currently RFDS, while Sween appeared in Rose Haven, The Secret Daughter, and award-winning short films. Their return promises to be a major event, coinciding with Home and Away’s first-ever episodes filmed in Western Australia.
The Western Australia storyline is a high-stakes adventure, with filming locations including Perth and the state’s rugged outback. Producers have teased that the episodes will reveal how Brax and Ricky’s lives have changed since their last appearance, offering both drama and emotional payoffs set against stunning natural backdrops. Both Peacock and Sween have expressed excitement about revisiting their characters and exploring their journey a decade later.
Filming began in mid-October in Perth, with cast members spotted in various locations, including the city center and the iconic red outback. Fans have shared glimpses of Brax and Ricky alongside their son, Casey, who will be nearly 11 when the storyline airs. Early promos show the family enjoying beach life, riding dirt bikes, and boating, but hints of danger loom. A blue car abruptly crossing a truck’s path raises questions about whether Brax and Ricky can truly live peacefully or if River Boy drama is set to return.
Additionally, the promo suggests that Tarn, a character introduced in 2020, will play a role in the upcoming storyline. Tarn may encounter legal trouble, with scenes showing him in a prison cell and in formal attire, hinting at a court appearance. While Tarn’s connection to Brax and Ricky is unclear, his involvement could provide the narrative catalyst that brings the pair to Western Australia. Past River Boy conflicts involving Heath, Ari, and gangs suggest that old alliances and rivalries could shape the new episodes.
The 2026 season of Home and Away officially begins on January 19 in Australia, with Brax and Ricky expected to appear about 50 episodes in, likely between mid-March and mid-April. UK viewers will see them in early May after the show returns from its Christmas break. Although it is not confirmed whether the couple will return to Summer Bay after their WA storyline, the promos indicate that viewers will get an intimate look at their family life, their son Casey, and the challenges they may face in the stunning Western Australian landscape.
In short, Brax and Ricky’s return promises to combine nostalgia, high-stakes drama, and emotional storytelling, all set against one of Australia’s most scenic backdrops. Fans can expect intense River Boy action, heartfelt family moments, and surprising twists as these iconic characters step back into the world of Summer Bay.
