Home and Away forced to issue statement after wild claims about the soap's cast

 "Engage only with verified accounts."

Home and Away's Australian broadcaster Seven Network has responded after a slew of fake fan pages have popped up posting wild claims about the soap's cast, such as actors dying, being diagnosed with serious illnesses, or getting secretly married.

The 'article pages' are reportedly unsafe sites designed to phish users' personal information out of them, and should not be accessed.

A spokesperson for Seven has said "these unauthorised pages have been reported" and urged fans to "engage only with verified accounts for the show and cast members" (via Daily Telegraph Australia).

Home and Away is not the first soap to warn its fans about scams, as the British soaps have have had to put out warnings about fake accounts impersonating cast members and asking people for money.

"Please be aware that actors from both Coronation Street and Emmerdale are currently being impersonated by scammers across all social media platforms," a spokesperson for ITV said last year.

No cast member will ever directly request money for messages, meetings or any kind of personal interaction on social media."

The broadcaster specifically warned fans about videos using deepfake and AI technology to impersonate the actors and offer unofficial meet and greets or tours.

A similar statement from the BBC last year similarly said: "Please note that no cast member of EastEnders employee will ever make contact to request money for meeting, messages, set visits or any other interactions.

"If you have been contacted, especially on a social media platform via direct or mass message posted to a group, please ensure you report these instances to the relevant platform immediately."

EastEnders' Penny Branning gets shocking pregnancy news in early iPlayer release

EastEnders’ Penny Branning has received game-changing news about her pregnancy, as she realises that the father of her baby is unlikely to be Vinny Panesar. As she comes to terms with this surprise revelation, Vinny is desperately searching for a way to fund his girlfriend’s future business

Penny discovered that she was pregnant in recent weeks, and she and new partner Vinny decided they wanted to become parents, though they initially faced backlash from Vinny’s mum Suki.

Last week, Vinny surprised Penny by putting down a deposit on a shop for her and resolved to fund this venture himself by reaching out to old contacts.

The pair prepared for their first baby scan in today’s episode, but Vinny told Penny that he had a meeting with a potential backer for the shop so would meet her at the hospital afterwards.

However, alarm bells rung for Priya, who immediately realised that he was planning to invest using dodgy money that is also funding the chicken shops. Priya reminded him that she and Avani were targeted by these thugs back in the day – and suggested that there was another way to get the money he needed.

Meanwhile, Oscar accompanied Penny to the hospital and agreed to wait for Vinny while she went for the scan. The sonographer told Penny that her baby was healthy, but things looked quite a bit further along than the 14 weeks she had said.

As Vinny arrived at the hospital and saw the baby for the first time, Penny was left secretly wondering whether he was actually the father.

Suki and the Brannings were excited about seeing the first scan photo in The Vic, and it looked like the two families were beginning to get along famously – but Penny was quiet and excused herself from the celebrations.

Outside the café, she was supported by Harry, who was also dealing with some unexpected news after Gina told him that she would probably never want to have kids.

That evening, Lauren and Oscar found Penny in the Square, and she opened up to her cousins about her discovery. Penny admitted that if the baby was conceived any earlier than New Year, then the dad is Harry, not Vinny.

What will Penny do about this shock pregnancy secret?

Home and away Tuesday 31st March Episode 8689 Promo

 

Tuesday 31st March Episode 8689 Casey is bitterly disappointed. John is forced to own up. Sonny struggles with intimacy

Home and Away 8689 Episode 30th March 2026

 30th March 2026 Monday (Episode 8688) Brax and Ricky face a difficult decision. Mali and Abigail have a heart-to-heart. Cash faces serious consequences.

EastEnders confirms emotional change for Nicola in premature labour storyline

 It will be a dramatic week in Walford.

EastEnders star Laura Doddington has confirmed that her character, Nicola Mitchell, will go through a change in upcoming scenes. A recent storyline has seen the fiery figure come to terms with her pregnancy, but next week will see new drama.

Nicola has been carrying a child for the past few months following her romance with George Knight, with advanced spoilers for the BBC soap confirming that the character would be rushed to hospital before prematurely giving birth to a baby girl.

Before that moment, it becomes increasingly apparent - to both viewers and her loved ones - that Nicola isn't quite herself, and Doddington explains that her character is initially nervous about the health of herself and the baby.

"She is incredibly distracted because she hasn’t felt the baby move," says the actor. "She initially keeps that to herself. With the Knight Fusion launch being an important moment for George, she wants to support him and avoids raising his worries.

Nicola is used to dealing with things on her own and doesn’t want to burden George with any additional worries. She is already dealing with loads of concerns that she wants to keep to herself, convincing herself they may not be serious."

Having experienced false labour with both Harry and Barney, part of her also believes the pains could simply be another false alarm," continues the star, who debuted as Nicola in November 2024.

These worries eventually come to the surface as Nicola prematurely gives birth, though she and George face an anxious wait after the baby is promptly relocated to an incubator to prevent the risk of infection.

"It takes a significant toll on Nicola," says Doddington. "We see a real vulnerability in her, compared to her usual combative and protective parenting style. The emotional strain and the inability to see her baby leaves her broken."

Such is the urgent nature of the storyline, both Nicola and George barely have time to work out the logistics of their co-parenting schedule, but Doddington is confident that the pair would do right by their daughter.

"I think they will make an excellent team, as they bring different energies and moral standings that complement each other," she says. "They have open and honest conversations with each other, addressing things head on rather than avoiding them."

While Nicola's stint in hospital will be the main focus of the week, the beloved character gets herself involved with Penny Branning, who is preparing to raise a child with Vinny Panesar after their bond has strengthened.

In an upcoming twist, it will be revealed that Penny is further along in her pregnancy journey than she initially thought, casting doubt on the theory that the child is Vinny's. As she jogs her memory, she realises that Harry, Nicola's son, could be the father.

Penny initially keeps her suspicions to herself and doesn't disclose anything to Vinny, and comes under fire from Suki as a result of this. Nicola sees this development, and defends Penny from Vinny's mother.

"From Nicola’s perspective, she is simply trying to speak with Penny when Suki interrupts, which infuriates her," shares Doddington. "Her opinion of Suki is already low given the recent issues involving Ravi and Harry.

"With Penny in the early stages of pregnancy, Nicola understands the anxieties that come with that experience. She also has a soft spot for Penny, who has supported Harry throughout his recent rehabilitation."

The pleasantries don't last long, however, when Nicola notices that Penny is acting peculiarly. After doing some digging, Nicola begins to suspect that Harry may be the father of the child, and blackmails Penny into taking a DNA test.

Nicola wants clarity as soon as possible on whether the baby is Harry’s," teases Doddington. "She’s incredibly protective over him and carries guilt about what he has been through.

"She also feels she has fallen short as a mother, so if the baby is his, she wants to support him from the outset. Harry has hinted that he does want children and is beginning to think seriously about his future.

"With Harry and Gina still early in their relationship, she feels it’s important to establish the truth now rather than risk a more painful revelation later, once they have invested more in their future together."

Pia Whitesell shows off her killer bikini body during a beach day with her multimillionaire husband Patrick

 Pia Whitesell showcased her sensational figure during a sun-soaked beach day in Malibu with husband Patrick Whitesell.

The former Home and Away star, 42, took to Instagram to share a series of snaps, appearing completely at ease as she soaked up the coastal views.

In one striking image, Pia looked radiant as she sipped on a cool, refreshing drink, all while flaunting her toned bikini body, while another captured Patrick having a well-earned break by smoking a cigar.

The model stunned in the barely-there swimwear, highlighting her trim physique and sun-kissed glow as she posed effortlessly by the shoreline.

Elsewhere, Pia was seen enjoying a playful moment on the sand with her multimillionaire husband Patrick, 61.

The Hollywood powerbroker flaunted his muscular frame as he went shirtless in a pair of casual shorts.

The model stunned in the barely-there swimwear, highlighting her trim physique and sun-kissed glow as she posed effortlessly by the shoreline 

Pia Whitesell set pulses racing on Monday as she showcased her sensational figure during a sun-soaked beach day in Malibu with husband Patrick Whitesell 

The loved-up couple appeared completely relaxed as they strolled along the beach together, soaking in the idyllic setting.

Pia resides in a lavish $57million Los Angeles mansion with Patrick.

She is known to travel between America and Australia, having recently been spotted in Sydney. 

Her career skyrocketed in 2014 when she landed the role of Kat Chapman on Home and Away.

She went public with her relationship with Patrick in late 2019, before the pair secretly tied the knot in 2021. 

Patrick is the executive chairman of William Morris Endeavor and is considered one of the most powerful figures in Hollywood, with clients including Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, and Ben Affleck.

He was previously married to journalist Lauren Sánchez, who is now wed to Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos.

Patrick shares two children – son Evan, 19, and daughter Ella, 17 – with Lauren, while Pia has sons Isaiah, 22, and Lennox, 19, from two previous relationships.

One striking image captured Patrick taking a well-earned break with a cigar

'For me, it's honestly the best, most heartwarming thing to see the blending of four teenagers who were strangers just a few years ago,' she told Marie Claire Australia.

'We sit around the table every night, enjoying each other's company, having a laugh as we share our stories. We spent Thanksgiving together; how lucky are we to have all found each other?'

Pia also admitted she leans on her family during times of hardship, such as when they lost a house during last year's California wildfires.

Delta Goodrem shares Neighbours behind-the-scenes secret as she prepares for Eurovision

 "I got the script and I just cried."

Neighbours star Delta Goodrem joined the Australian soap back in 2002, playing schoolgirl Nina Tucker. The fan favourite character was introduced as a nervous teenager with a hidden talent for singing.

However, according to Goodrem, Nina's personality could have been very different had she not intervened. The actor shared that the role was rewritten to suit her vision, after she had a word with the show bosses.

Appearing on ITV's This Morning, Goodrem shared that she began acting at a young age and used the money to finance her very first musical demo. After launching her singing career, she was offered the role of Nina – but not as we know her.

When I first got the script sent to me, I had actually joined as a singer. The role was going to be a singer but they were trying to get me in quicker which was amazing," she told presenters Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley.

"We thought 'oh, we'll put her as the bad-girl-turned-good' and I got the script and I just cried because I had written this song 'Born to Try' and I just felt in my heart that that would be, you know, in that moment I just didn't feel that was the right place for my song."

The star explained that she spoke to the "amazing" producers to adjust the character, which led to the Nina saw on screen. She acknowledged that it was a bold move as she was only 15 or 16 at the time.

I don't know if I would have done it now. My parents were outside the office going 'oh my gosh!'" she laughed.

As for her singing career, Goodrem will soon be representing Australia in this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria. She will be performing the song 'Eclipse', which she co-wrote with Jonas Myrin, Ferras Alqaisi and Michael Fatkin.

This content is imported from instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

It feels like a celebration. I'm kinda approaching it like I'm really excited to be able to be over here, getting to share new music," she said. "I just feel really grateful to get to bring the song and bring it to life on the stage."

She added: "It's definitely questioned my songwriting, you know, when everyone dissects your song. Me and the producers and writers have been like 'oh we've never experienced like that dissect'. But it's really fun. It's enjoyable."

Sam Frost reveals surprising new career move as she teams up with fellow Home and Away star Sarah Roberts

The friends, who starred on the soap series together from late 2017 to 2021, shared the news on Instagram on Friday

Sam Frost has revealed a shocking new career move. 

The former Bachelor star, 36, has teamed up with her Home and Away

 co-star Sarah Roberts to start a podcast called Cracking on.

The friends, who starred on the soap series together from late 2017 to 2021, shared the news on Instagram on Friday. 

'Cracking on. Coming soon,' they captioned an image which saw the pair sitting on a couch in the water at sunset. 

Moments later, they shared a sneak peek at what's to come, as Sam said: 'The Cracking On podcast is all about life's big rejections and redirections. 

'Anything that comes across in life that seems like it just hits you in the nuts.'

Sam Frost, 36, has revealed a shocking new career move. The former Bachelor star has teamed up with her Home and Away co-star Sarah Roberts, 41, to start a podcast called Cracking on

Sam and Sarah, 41, revealed they have already recorded episodes with several special guests, including soap stars Lynne McGranger and Emily Weir. 

Australian comedian Nick Giannopoulos, actress Debra Lawrence, radio star Myf Warhurst, and McLeod's Daughters star Michala Banas will also make appearances. 

Sam and Sarah became fast friends when they starred on Home and Away together after they both landed roles on the soap opera in late 2017.

Sarah, who played Willow Harris, later left the series in 2021, while Sam, who played Jasmine Delaney, exited the following year.  

The podcast announcement comes almost a year after Sam welcomed her second child with fiancé Jordie Hansen in April last year.

She announced the happy news on Instagram, sharing two black-and-white images.

In the first frame, Sam looked every inch the proud mother as she cuddled her newborn in her hospital bed.

Her little man looked cute as a button as he rested atop his famous mother while wearing a woollen beanie.

Sam said: 'The Cracking On podcast is all about life's big rejections and redirections. Anything that comes across in life that seems like it just hits you in the nuts'

In another photo, the proud parents are seen introducing their bundle of joy to his older brother, Ted, who is now three.

'This is Bobby,' she announced in the caption, alongside a red love heart emoji, before revealing his full name as Bobby Jordan Frost-Hansen.

'We love you so much little man. 29/03/2025,' she continued.

Sam announced she was expecting her second child in November 2024.

'Our family is growing from three to four,' she began.

'It has been a wild ride but we are extremely grateful our little one is healthy and doing okay in there. We are all very excited to meet you, especially your big brother!

'Huge thank you to our family and friends for all their love and support over these past few months. We love you.'

Pia Whitesell puts on a leggy display as she flaunts her slim pins in tiny Daisy Dukes and goes shopping with her very tall son Lennox in Sydney

Pia Whitesell looked effortlessly chic on Friday as she stepped out for some shopping with her towering son Lennox in Bondi.

The former Home and Away star, 42, put on a leggy display in a pair of tiny Daisy Dukes jean shorts, which she paired with and oversized brown jumper.

The brunette beauty accessorised with a pair of New Balance X Miu Miu suede sneakers worth $1,900.

Pia was seen stopping off in Gould Street at the Inca store, followed by Stylerunner and Misha for a spot of shopping. 

However, she later realised she had left behind her designer sunglasses at Stylerunner and had to run back to retrieve them.

Pia finished off her glam-chic look with a large brown handbag she hung over her arm.

Pia Whitesell, 42, looked effortlessly chic on Friday as she stepped out for some shopping with her towering son Lennox, 19, in Bondi

The former Home and Away star put on a leggy display in a pair of tiny Daisy Dukes jean shorts, which she paired with and oversized brown jumper

The brunette beauty accessorised with a pair of New Balance X Miu Miu suede sneakers worth $1,900

It comes after Pia was spotted arriving back home in Bondi on Thursday.

Fresh from an international flight, the former Home and Away actress looked impossibly chic as she carried a $2,320 Rimowa suitcase down the footpath.

Pia sported a white singlet, loose-fitting jeans and brown sneakers, while shielding her face beneath a brown baseball cap and sunglasses.

For accessories, the mother-of-two wore layered gold pendant necklaces, a Patek Philippe Nautilus gold and diamond watch worth $250,000, and her diamond engagement ring rumoured to be worth $1.9 million.

Pia also clutched a brown suede bag from The Row, which retails for $12,330.

She wore her luscious chestnut locks out in natural waves and sported a full face of makeup including blush and pink lipstick.

Her multimillionaire talent agent husband Patrick Whitesell is believed to have remained in the US during her trip to Australia.

Pia is known to travel between America and Australia, having last visited Down Under in January to attend the Australian Open men's quarter-final at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

Pia was seen stopping off in Gould Street at the Inca store, followed by Stylerunner and Misha for a spot of shopping

 However, she later realised she had left behind her designer sunglasses at Stylerunner and had to run back to retrieve them

Pia finished off her glam-chic look with a large brown handbag she hung over her arm

 It comes after Pia was spotted arriving back home in Bondi on Thursday

Her multimillionaire talent agent husband Patrick Whitesell is believed to have remained in the US during her trip to Australia

The model looked glamorous in an understated Miu Miu ensemble and over $2 million dollars worth of jewels.

She accessorised with snakeskin Roger Vivier stilettos, a leather belt, and a black suede Celine bag.

Pia's career skyrocketed in 2014 when she landed the role of Kat Chapman on Home and Away.

She went public with her relationship with Patrick Whitesell in late 2019, before the pair secretly tied the knot in 2021.

Patrick is the executive chairman of William Morris Endeavor and is considered one of the most powerful figures in Hollywood, with clients including Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, and Ben Affleck.

He was previously married to journalist Lauren Sánchez, who is now wed to Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos.

Patrick shares two children – son Evan, 19, and daughter Ella, 17 – with Lauren, while Pia has sons Isaiah, 22, and Lennox, 19, from two previous relationships.