Home and Away reveals first look at new character in Leah and Justin story

 Valerie gets involved in Leah's love life.

Home and Away has shared a first look at new character Valerie Beaumont, ahead of her debut on UK screens next week.

Valerie will arrive as part of Leah Patterson and Justin Morgan's ongoing storyline, as Leah continues to adjust to life back in Summer Bay following her stay in a mental health clinic. With Leah still in recovery, she has told fiancé Justin that she thinks it's best that they don't spend time together right now, much to Justin's dismay.

In scenes that will air on Channel 5 in the UK next week, Leah decides to enlist her reluctant nephew Theo Poulos to keep an eye on Justin while she keeps her distance.

While they are working together, Justin in turn bombards Theo with questions on what Leah's up to, later sending Theo to the Diner to pick up lunch in the hope that Leah will be there.

After Marilyn Chambers admits to Theo that she's worried about him having to be so involved in Leah and Justin's situation, Theo announces to Leah that he's had enough. He declares that he can't be involved in their relationship drama anymore, revealing to her that Justin is falling apart without her.

The news prompts Leah to head over to the garage, where she comes face to face with Justin for the first time in days, and she tells him that they can't go on like this. Leah points out that they've unfairly put Theo in a very difficult position and Justin agrees.

He adds that he's worried about their relationship and is unsure about what's happening with them, admitting that he misses her hugely.

The emotional conversation proves too much for Leah and she makes her escape, much to Justin's disappointment.

As Leah is debriefing with Marilyn at the Diner later, she's surprised to see a familiar face walk in - her roommate from the clinic, Valerie.

As Valerie catches up with Leah, she can't believe that, after everything she's heard about Justin, Leah hasn't gone straight home to him. Aware of how much the couple love each other, Valerie convinces Leah to ask Justin to join them for dinner.

Could this be the start of the couple's road to recovery?

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5, with repeat screenings at 6pm on 5STAR and first look screenings at 6.30pm on 5STAR. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK.