Home and Away's John Palmer and Irene Roberts spark romance rumours

 Is love in the air?

There are rumours of a new romance in Summer Bay, with John Palmer and Irene Roberts getting closer next week on Home and Away.

The aftermath of the explosion has seen John staying with Irene, with doctors continuing to tell him that he’s not yet ready to live alone as a result of his injuries.

The pair’s relationship continues to blossom as they embark on a shopping spree, unaware that Marilyn is anxious at the prospect of them getting closer.

The sparks don’t go unnoticed in the Bay, with Xander telling Mackenzie of their growing connection, and she subsequently wants to get to the bottom of things by questioning John.

Mali, however, informs the pair, with John and Irene surprised to find out that the community thinks they’re an item.

John attempts to clarify the situation by informing everybody that they’re just friends, but Irene has a slightly different view of the situation and believes they should have some fun with everyone.

Elsewhere on the soap, there will soon be two new faces arriving in Summer Bay, with Jessica Redmayne and Ally Harris making their debuts as sisters Harper and Dana later this year.

Redmayne, who has previously worked on fellow Australian soap Neighbours, spoke about her experience on the set of Home and Away, saying she is “fortunate” to be on the soap.

"Everyone was extraordinarily warm and welcoming," she said. "I'm very fortunate to enter a really great company of people because it is really easy to come to work every day.

"I remember the first day I walked onto the set of Lynne's [McGranger] house, it was quite extraordinary – it's like I was living that dream," she added.

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.