Two of Summer Bay’s most-adored residents are set to make a comeback, with Stephen Peacocke (Darryl “Brax” Braxton) and Bonnie Sveen (Erica “Ricky” Sharpe) returning in 2026 for a major Home and Away event taking place in the breathtaking landscapes of Western Australia.
Brax, the charismatic leader of the River Boys – a man driven by a fierce love of family – was voted #4 in TV WEEK’s 2023 list of the 100 Greatest Australian TV Characters of All Time. Ricky – a strong, independent, no-nonsense woman – rapidly became a fan favourite and the love of Brax’s life. The on-screen romance between Brax and Ricky is one of Home and Away’s most iconic, leaving viewers holding out hope of a return since the pair drove off into the sunset a decade ago.
In partnership with Tourism Western Australia, a landmark Home and Away event will reveal where life has taken Brax and Ricky since 2016, delivering high-stakes drama and emotional payoffs set against a stunning backdrop of WA’s rugged outback.
Stephen and Bonnie are award-winning actors, with multiple Logie nominations to their names. Stephen collected four Logies during his time on Home and Away, before going on to star in hit dramas including the Seven Network’s Logie Award-winning drama series RFDS, The Newsreader (ABC), Five Bedrooms (Paramount+), and Wanted (Seven).
Bonnie was awarded the Logie for Most Popular New Talent in 2014, and has since appeared in Rosehaven (ABC), The Secret Daughter (Seven) and Netflix’s Escape and Evasion. Her short film Finding Addison won Best Short Film at the 2023 AACTA Awards, while her role in SXSW Sydney winner Thou Shalt Not Steal (Stan) cemented her status as one of Australia’s most versatile talents.
Seven’s Director of Content, Scripted, Julie McGauran, said: “It’s an absolute joy to have Steve and Bonnie back with us for this epic event. They’ve each left such a mark on Home and Away, both on screen and behind the scenes, and their return after a decade is sure to make the fans very happy. Questions of what Brax and Ricky’s life is like now and how things might have changed for them, will be answered. And of course, there’s plenty of surprises along the way.”
Stephen Peacocke said: “I’ll always be grateful to Home and Away for being the launchpad to my career, and I’ve got a sincere appreciation for the fans who’ve followed my work since. When the producers asked if I’d revisit Brax, it felt like a fun opportunity – and one I think the audience will really enjoy. Filming in spectacular outback Western Australia is the icing on the cake.”
Bonnie Sveen said: “Bringing Ricky back wasn’t something I’d ever expected, so I’m beyond thrilled to reunite with Steve and old friends at Home and Away. Exploring where Ricky and Brax are now, 10 years on, will make for a very special and compelling storyline – and I can’t wait for our WA filming adventure.”
Filming begins in October, taking place in various locations across Western Australia.
