Home and Away cast shake-up as new faces arrive with fan favourite given the boot

 Channel Seven soap Home and Away is set to see an influx of unexpected faces arriving in Summer Bay, with several newcomers spotted on set – with one star noticeably absent..

Home and Away fans are set to be left disappointed as one soap icon looks set to exit the Channel Seven show – while an influx of new faces have been spotted on set.

Fans will be devastated to learn that Felicity Newman star Jacqui Purvis hasn’t been spotted filming since March 2024, with one fan speculating: “I know someone went to Palm Beach today and was told that she’s overseas and not sure if she’s coming back, indicating that she’s leaving or left the show and no longer filming.”

Jacqui has been a Home and Away icon since 2021, and previously played Melissa Lohan in Neighbours between 2013 and 2019.

According to news site Back to the Bay, several newcomers have been spotted filming scenes for the Australian soap – with a new bad boy signing up to the cast. Actor Joshua Orpin is joining the Bay after rising to fame in DC show Titans.

He’ll be making his appearance later this year, with few details confirmed about his mysterious character. But speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Josh explained: “I can say he is a bit of a bad boy who comes into the show and stirs up some trouble among the Summer Bay locals.

“He is seemingly one thing on the surface but he has a great depth to him that I’ve had a lot of fun exploring.”

Hailey Pinto, meanwhile, is thought to be playing Abigail Fowler in Home and Away, the sister of Eden and Levi Fowler. She’s been spotted filming an engagement party for Eden and Cash Newman, and is said to be arriving within the next three months.

Also signing up for a role in the show is Aaron Jeffery, who will play James ‘Jimmy’ Fowler – dad to Eden, Levi and Abigail. He notably starred in Netflix hit Pieces of Her alongside Toni Collette.

The new developments come after Home and Away star Matt Evans confirmed tragedy is lurking in Summer Bay – with death on the cards for one fan-favourite. The Theo Poulos star told Australia’s Morning Show: “All I can say is next week a stranger will come into the Bay and someone will die.”

The new trailer tantalised fans with a cryptic glimpse of a blurry silhouette on the beach bearing a black case, after which terrified locals scatter in terror. "I need an ambulance and police to Summer Bay," cries out Alf Stewart, as the police scramble to nab the mysterious intruder.

Quick snippets of familiar faces rushing away from danger also flash across the screen. Mackenzie Booth, Cash Newman, Remi Carter, Dana Matheson, and Leah Patterson are among those seemingly at risk.