Home and Away star Hailey Pinto has confirmed her condition is so serious that she will soon have to undergo chemotherapy. “I may have to retire from acting…”
Home and Away Star Hailey Pinto Reveals Her Condition Is So Serious She Will Soon Undergo Chemotherapy: “I May Have to Retire From Acting…”
Sydney, Australia — In an emotional and deeply personal announcement that has shaken the Home and Away community, actress Hailey Pinto, known for her breakout performance as paramedic Lorena “Lori” Marshall, has confirmed she is facing a life-changing medical battle that may ultimately force her to retire from acting.
For months, fans speculated that the rising star had stepped back from filming due to undisclosed health reasons. Now, after weeks of silence, Hailey has bravely revealed the truth: she has been diagnosed with a severe medical condition requiring immediate chemotherapy, a treatment plan she admits will change her life forever.
The news has left viewers stunned and castmates heartbroken, as the woman many believed to be the future face of the series prepares for the fight of her life.
A Private Battle Hailey Could No Longer Hide
Hailey Pinto, 29, shared her diagnosis during an emotional sit-down interview released earlier today. Fighting back tears, she confirmed that her condition—one she had hoped to manage privately—has rapidly worsened.
“I didn’t want people to worry,” she said softly.
“I kept thinking things would get better… but now I have no choice. I have to start chemotherapy. And the truth is, I don’t know if I’ll ever return to acting.”
This admission stunned fans. Hailey has always carried herself with optimism, warmth, and an unwavering professionalism that made her one of the most promising actresses in Australian television.
But behind the scenes, her battle has been escalating for months.
Sources close to the actress confirm Hailey collapsed on set earlier this year during an intense filming sequence. At the time, the incident was attributed to exhaustion, but insiders now reveal the collapse prompted a series of medical tests that uncovered a far more serious issue.
“Hailey tried to push through it,” one colleague admitted. “She didn’t want anyone to treat her differently. She didn’t want to lose her character, her momentum, or her dreams.”
Producers Rally Behind Her: “She Has Nothing to Prove”
Home and Away’s production team issued a supportive statement shortly after Hailey’s announcement went public, revealing they have been privately aware of her condition for several months.
“Hailey is part of our family. Her health comes first. We will support her in any way she needs.”
— Home and Away Executive Producer
The statement also confirmed that Hailey has been temporarily written out of upcoming storylines, with the door left open for her return — but only if and when she is ready.
Producers reportedly encouraged her to step back far earlier, but Hailey insisted on finishing several emotional episodes featuring her character’s complicated storyline with Cash and Harper.
“She didn’t want pity,” one writer revealed. “She wanted to work. She wanted normality. She’s one of the strongest people I’ve ever met.”
Hailey’s Fears: “I’ve spent my whole life working for this dream…”
During her emotional interview, Hailey admitted her biggest fear wasn’t the chemotherapy — it was the possibility of losing the career she fought so hard to build.
“I’ve been acting since I was 14. It’s all I’ve ever known.
The thought of having to stop… it breaks me.”
Hailey confessed she has already begun preparing for dramatic changes:
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She will lose her hair within weeks
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She will be unable to film intense scenes
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She risks long-term complications affecting her stamina
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She may need to take a full year away from television
The actress also revealed she has spoken with medical specialists who warned her the treatment will be aggressive and unpredictable.
“If the chemo works, I’ll fight my way back.
If it doesn’t… then I’ll find another way to live my life.”
Her honesty stunned viewers and brought many to tears — especially as Hailey bravely discussed the possibility of stepping away from the show permanently.
Castmates in Tears: “We’re Not Losing Her — We’re Fighting With Her”
Shortly after Hailey’s announcement, many of her co-stars posted heartfelt messages of love and support.
One castmate wrote:
“Hailey lights up every room she walks into. She is brave, she is fierce, and she will beat this.”
Another said:
“We’re all devastated, but we’re standing with her. She’s family.”
According to an insider, several cast members broke down upon hearing the severity of her diagnosis. Filming reportedly paused for part of the day as the cast processed the news.
A Community United in Support
Fans from Australia, the UK, Ireland, and beyond have flooded social media with messages of solidarity:
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“Hailey is a phenomenal actress and an even better human.”
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“She’s so young… this is heartbreaking.”
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“We’re praying for you. You’re stronger than this.”
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“Please come back to Home and Away when you’re ready.”
Her character, Lori Marshall, had quickly become a fan favourite for her bravery, vulnerability, and chemistry with multiple core cast members. Many viewers believed she was being set up for a major long-term arc.
Now, fans are left grieving the possibility that they may have seen Lori’s final scenes.
Hailey’s Final Words: “I’m going to fight this with everything I have.”
Despite the heavy news, Hailey Pinto ended her announcement with hope.
“I want to live. I want to fight.
I want to come back to acting someday — if my body lets me.
But right now, I’m focusing on staying alive.”
Her courage has already begun inspiring countless viewers.
The Home and Away family — both on set and across the world — now waits with heavy hearts and unwavering support as Hailey prepares to begin the hardest chapter of her life.