It’s official — Theo Poulos is leaving Summer Bay. After months of speculation, Home and Away producers have confirmed that the character will exit the soap through a devastating death caused by a painful illness. Actor Matt Evans has spoken publicly about the decision, sharing why he chose to say goodbye to Theo in such an emotional way.

Theo Poulos, played by Matt Evans since 2021, has been one of Summer Bay’s most complex young characters. From troubled beginnings to his rise as a frontman in Lyrik, Theo’s journey has resonated with fans who watched him grow from reckless and insecure to talented and deeply human. His exit, however, will mark one of the most heartbreaking chapters in Home and Away history.

According to spoilers, Theo will be diagnosed with a rare, aggressive illness in upcoming episodes. At first, he tries to hide the symptoms, determined not to alarm his friends or derail his music career. But as the illness progresses, it becomes impossible to ignore. Scenes will show Theo in increasing pain, his body and spirit tested to the limit, while those around him struggle to accept that they may soon lose him.

The storyline is expected to unfold over several weeks, allowing viewers to witness both the physical decline and the emotional toll on Theo and his loved ones. Lyrik bandmates Kirby, Remi, and Eden will rally to support him, while his family members are drawn into the heartbreak of watching a young life cut tragically short.

In an interview, Matt Evans opened up about his decision to leave. “I chose to leave like this because I wanted Theo’s story to mean something,” he explained. “Illness is something that affects so many people in real life, and if portraying it on screen can bring even a little more awareness and empathy, then I feel like I’ve done my job.”

Evans added that filming Theo’s final scenes was “the most challenging and emotional experience” of his career. “There were days when I couldn’t get through a scene without breaking down. But that’s because the story is so raw and so real. Theo’s been a huge part of my life, and saying goodbye in this way has been incredibly tough.”

For fans, the confirmation of Theo’s death is devastating. Social media has already exploded with tributes, with viewers describing his exit as “unfair but powerful” and praising Evans for bringing depth and authenticity to a role that could easily have been one-note.

The decision to give Theo such a tragic ending also underlines Home and Away’s willingness to tackle difficult issues head-on. By focusing on illness and mortality, the soap continues its tradition of weaving real-world struggles into its fictional universe, sparking conversations that resonate far beyond Summer Bay.

As Theo’s final episodes approach, fans are bracing themselves for a farewell filled with tears, music, and memories. And while his death will leave a hole in the Bay, his legacy — both as a character and through Matt Evans’ portrayal — will remain unforgettable.