Fans of the long-running Australian soap Home and Away are bracing for a significant departure as Angelina Thomson, who has portrayed the vibrant Kirby Aramoana since 2022, prepares to say goodbye to Summer Bay. The news comes as a bittersweet moment for viewers who have followed Kirby’s journey from her arrival as the keyboardist of the band Lyrik to her complex romantic entanglements and professional triumphs.

While departures from the Bay are a staple of the show’s high-stakes drama, Thomson’s exit feels particularly poignant given her character’s central role in the show’s musical and social fabric over the last three years. However, the reason for her departure is a cause for celebration: Thomson has landed a prestigious role in a major new production that marks a significant return to her professional roots in musical theatre.

A Return to the Stage Angelina Thomson has officially been cast as the iconic Miss Adelaide in the upcoming Opera Australia production of Guys & Dolls. The production is set to be a spectacular event, staged at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. This “spectacle on the water” is one of the most prestigious dates on the Australian theatrical calendar, and taking on a lead role like Miss Adelaide—a character famously known for her comedic timing and powerhouse vocals—is a major milestone for Thomson’s career.

The project also holds personal significance for the actress. Thomson will be sharing the stage with her real-life partner, Lachlan Dearing, who has also been cast in the production. The couple has expressed their excitement about working together on such a massive scale, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House serving as the ultimate backdrop for their performances.

The End of an Era for Lyrik In Summer Bay, the news of Kirby’s departure has sparked intense speculation regarding the future of Lyrik. Since her debut in July 2022, Kirby has been the heart of the band, navigating the ups and downs of the music industry alongside bandmates Eden, Remi, and Theo.

Rumors of her exit began to swirl earlier this year when fans spotted Thomson filming what appeared to be emotional farewell scenes at Palm Beach. Leaked footage showed the actress waving from the back of a car and sharing a long, tearful embrace with co-star Stephanie Panozzo (who plays Eden Fowler). For many fans, Kirby’s exit marks the definitive end of the “Lyrik era,” leaving many wondering if the band can survive without its signature keyboardist and songwriter.

A Legacy in the Bay During her time on the show, Thomson brought a unique energy to Home and Away. Her portrayal of Kirby was defined by a fierce independence and a deep passion for music. From her tumultuous relationship with Bob Forsyth to her more stable but equally dramatic romance with Theo Poulos, Kirby was never far from the spotlight. Thomson’s background in musical theatre allowed her to perform many of the band’s tracks herself, adding a layer of authenticity to the show’s musical storylines.

As Angelina Thomson moves from the sun-drenched shores of Summer Bay to the glitz and glamour of 1950s Manhattan on the Sydney Harbour stage, fans will undoubtedly be watching her next chapter with great interest. While Kirby Aramoana will be dearly missed by the residents of the Bay, Thomson’s “Guys & Dolls” debut proves that her star is only continuing to rise.

Guys & Dolls is scheduled to run from late March through April, and while an exact date for Kirby’s final television appearance has not yet been confirmed, viewers are advised to keep their tissues ready for what promises to be an emotional send-off.