Home and Away 2026 Bombshell: Brax and Ricky Return as River Boy Secrets Unfold in the West
Home and Away is pulling out all the stops in 2026 with the long-awaited return of Brax and Ricky, played by Stephen Peacocke and Bonnie Sveen. After nearly a decade away from Summer Bay, the iconic couple is back—but not where you might expect.
In a first for the series, the show is heading west—filming in Perth, the rugged red outback, and along Western Australia’s dramatic coastline for a special blockbuster week of episodes.
Promotional photos show the couple wearing iconic Akubra hats, posing against the dusty red landscape, while scenes of family life hint at a peaceful existence. But this is Home and Away—peace never lasts long.
Episode 8688: A Family Reunited
In the season-ending promo, Brax is seen riding a dirt bike through a cattle ranch before reuniting with Ricky. “Missed me?” he smirks. Her response—”Ah, you wish”—delivers classic chemistry.
Their son Casey runs up to hug his dad, and viewers catch a glimpse of the three living an idyllic life in Queensland. From beachside moments to dirt bike repairs, the couple appears to have traded River Boy chaos for peace.
But the calm doesn’t last.
Trouble in the Outback
As the promo speeds up, so does the tension. A truck pulls up beside a car, and Ricky’s smile fades. “Once a River Boy, always a River Boy,” she warns Brax. The music swells. Something—or someone—is coming.
What starts as a homecoming might turn into a dangerous reunion.
Tane and Brax: An Unexpected Link
In a twist no one saw coming, Tane Parata (Ethan Browne) is spotted filming scenes with Brax in Perth. The two have never met on screen, making their crossover all the more intriguing.
Though Tane missed Brax’s time in Summer Bay, he did once cross paths with Heath Braxton during a 2021 gang storyline. Could Tane now be calling in help from the original River Boy for another showdown?
Fans spotted the pair filming at Elizabeth Quay and The Bell Tower, confirming their storylines collide.
When Will It Air?
While official dates remain under wraps, Brax and Ricky’s return is tied to episode 8688, expected to air between mid-March and mid-April 2026, depending on Channel 7’s airing schedule.
Is this just a brief family reunion—or the start of a new River Boy chapter? What trouble is drawing Brax out of hiding, and how does Tane fit in?
What do you think: Is the River Boy legacy about to explode again in 2026?