Former Home and Away Star Tessa James’ Husband Posts Heartbreaking Tribute: “She Fought Until Her Last Breath”

The Australian entertainment world has been plunged into mourning following the devastating confirmation that former Home and Away actress Tessa James has passed away. Her husband, professional rugby league player Nate Myles, broke his silence with an emotional tribute that has left fans around the world heartbroken. His message—raw, tender, and full of grief—offered both a farewell to his wife and a final expression of gratitude to the supporters who stood by her through every chapter of her battle.

“She fought until her last breath,” he wrote.
Six words that encapsulate the spirit of a woman who had already survived more than most, and whose courage had inspired thousands.

A Fighter From the Beginning

Tessa James rose to fame playing cheeky, spirited Nicole Franklin on Home and Away between 2008 and 2011. Her natural charm, magnetic screen presence, and emotional depth made her one of the show’s most beloved cast members. Even after departing from Summer Bay, her career continued to flourish across television, theatre, and film.

But in 2014, everything changed when Tessa was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at just 23 years old.
Her response was immediate and unwavering: she fought.

Fans watched as she underwent chemotherapy, shaved her head, and faced her illness publicly with a mixture of honesty and optimism that resonated far beyond the entertainment world. Tessa became a symbol of resilience, determination, and dignity. When she announced she was in remission, celebrations poured in from all corners of Australia.

The battle had shaped her, but it had not defined her.

A Life Rebuilt — Until the Unthinkable Happened Again

After beating cancer, Tessa rebuilt her life slowly but joyfully. She returned to acting, embraced motherhood, and continued pursuing creative projects that mattered deeply to her. Her marriage to Nate Myles remained one of the industry’s favorite love stories—a couple bonded not by glamour, but by grit.

This made the news of her illness returning particularly devastating.

Sources close to the family say Tessa had been quietly managing complications for several months, choosing to keep her health struggles private to protect her young family. Those who knew her describe her as determined, hopeful, and fiercely committed to shielding others from worry.

But the severity of her condition escalated quickly. Despite every effort, every treatment, every moment of quiet strength she summoned, Tessa’s battle came to an end earlier this week.

Nate’s Tribute: A Message Filled With Love, Grief, and Gratitude

Nate Myles’ tribute broke hearts around the world. In a message posted late last night, he shared a photo of Tessa laughing—a candid image that captured her warmth, energy, and spirit—alongside a heartfelt caption.

“She fought until her last breath.
Tessa was the strongest person I have ever known, and she gave everything she had.
Thank you to the fans who have supported her since the beginning — you lifted her when she needed it most.”

Those words carried the weight of a man who had stood by his wife through triumphs, through storms, and through the final moments that no couple ever imagines facing.

Sources say Nate remained by Tessa’s bedside throughout her final days, surrounded by family, old castmates, and close friends who came to say goodbye.

Fans and Castmates Mourn a Star Gone Too Soon

Within minutes of the announcement, social media flooded with messages from fans, celebrities, and former Home and Away cast members. Many described Tessa as “a light,” “a fighter,” and “a rare soul who carried kindness like armor.”

Several former co-stars shared emotional tributes as well:

• Ada Nicodemou called her “a sister in spirit — brave, beautiful, and unforgettable.”

• Lincoln Lewis wrote that Tessa “walked through darkness with courage most people never discover.”

• Esther Anderson expressed heartbreak, saying she “never met anyone with a stronger will.”

Fans echoed these sentiments, describing how Tessa’s openness about her cancer journey had helped them or their loved ones confront their own battles.

A Legacy That Will Endure

Tessa James’ legacy extends far beyond the characters she played or the red carpets she walked. She leaves behind a powerful story of resilience, a testament to the human will to keep fighting even when the fight feels impossible. Her honesty about her struggles with illness opened doors for conversations about cancer among young adults—an impact that will continue long after her passing.

Her husband’s message also served as a reminder of her influence:

“Tessa’s strength inspired me every day. She never stopped trying, never gave up hope, and never allowed illness to steal her joy. She changed my life — and so many others.”

Tessa leaves behind her husband, their child, and a nation of fans who watched her grow from a promising young actress to a symbol of endurance and grace.

A Final Farewell

In the coming days, private services will be held for family and close friends, with Nate requesting privacy as they process their grief. Public memorials and industry tributes are expected to follow, allowing fans to honour a woman who fought relentlessly, loved deeply, and lived boldly — even in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Tessa James’ story was one of resilience, passion, and relentless courage.
And though she is gone, her legacy — and her fight — will never be forgotten.