Fans of Home and Away have reason to rejoice: Daryl “Brax” Braxton and Ricky Sharp are making their long-awaited return to the series in 2026. A full decade after their last major storylines in Summer Bay, the duo is back, and viewers are eager to see how their lives have evolved since they left the coastal town together.

Brax first arrived in Summer Bay in 2011 as the charismatic and intimidating leader of the River Boys, a surf gang from Mangrove River whose influence dominated the show’s storylines for years. Over time, the gang’s ranks shifted with different leaders taking the reins, including Rory Templeton and Gage Reynolds, but none matched the sway of Brax himself. Ricky Sharp, younger sister to Adam, entered the series later, initially to seek revenge against Brax for past misdeeds involving her brother. However, her anger soon gave way to affection, and the pair quickly became inseparable.

Their love was tested repeatedly. Ricky chose to stay with Brax despite lingering concerns over his past. Yet tension arose when Brax accidentally killed Johnny Barrett, Josh Barrett’s father, while trying to protect Casey. Adam covered up the incident, but Brax, consumed by guilt, eventually turned himself in and faced a long prison sentence. Ricky stayed by his side, caring for Josh and later discovering she was pregnant, only to suffer heartbreak when she lost the baby after a bombing incident. Her relationship with Nate then complicated matters further as she grappled with love, loss, and Brax’s absence.

Over the years, Brax’s life has been equally turbulent. While Ricky pursued photography in London, Brax’s journey through prison, dangerous escapes, and hospitalizations painted a picture of a man constantly fighting for redemption. Their paths repeatedly crossed, with Ricky torn between loyalty to Brax and new relationships, including a brief engagement to Nate. Ultimately, love prevailed, reaffirming the bond that had drawn the two together from the beginning. Their son, Casey, now nearly eleven, remains central to their story, symbolizing both hope and the stakes of their reunion.

Both actors have enjoyed successful careers outside the Bay. Steven Peacock, who plays Brax, starred in Five Bedrooms, Wanted, and currently appears in RFDS: Royal Flying Doctor Service and The Newsreader. Bonnie Sween, portraying Ricky, also flourished, appearing in Rose Haven, The Secret Daughter, and Escape and Evasion, with her short film Finding Addison winning Best Short Film at the 2023 AACA Awards.

The upcoming return will see Brax and Ricky traveling to Western Australia for a series of special episodes, marking the show’s first time filming in the region. The episodes promise high-stakes drama against WA’s stunning landscapes, including Perth’s cityscape, rugged coastline, and red outback. Filming began in October, with actors spotted on location, including scenes with their son Casey and hints of unexpected character appearances like Tarn, who may find himself in legal trouble.

Promotional material shows Brax riding dirt bikes on cattle ranches, playful moments with Ricky, and a relaxed family life that contrasts with the series’ usual tension. Yet, the teaser hints that this peace may be fleeting. With a blue car cutting across a truck’s path and Brax seeking someone in Perth’s CBD, viewers can anticipate fresh challenges and conflicts. Tarn, a relatively new character who previously had clashes with gangs in Summer Bay, may intersect with Brax and Ricky’s story, suggesting potential turmoil and legal entanglements during their Western Australian adventure.

The series is set to return to Australian screens on Monday, January 19, 2026, with Brax and Ricky expected to appear about fifty episodes into the season, roughly between mid-March and mid-April. UK audiences will catch up shortly after, beginning in early May. Scenes filmed in Palm Beach, Sydney, also hint that the characters may eventually return to Summer Bay, though the storyline surrounding their move west and potential journey back remains under wraps.

Executive producer Julie McGaw hinted at surprises and emotional payoffs for fans eager to see the couple again. Both Steven Peacock and Bonnie Sween expressed excitement about revisiting their roles, emphasizing that filming in Western Australia adds a unique, visually striking backdrop for their characters’ stories. Audiences can expect to see the family navigating new adventures, reconnecting with loved ones, and facing both personal and external challenges, all while revisiting the bonds that originally drew Brax and Ricky together.

With years of history, complex relationships, and high-stakes drama, Brax and Ricky’s return promises to deliver a compelling blend of nostalgia and fresh storylines, ensuring that the 2026 Home and Away season is one fans won’t want to miss.