Home and Away – why was Felicity Newman killed off?

 Sad times in Summer Bay.

Home and Away aired heartbreaking scenes on UK screens this week as fan favourite Felicity Newman died in hospital.

Felicity collapsed at her brother Cash's engagement party in last Friday's episode (September 27) and was rushed to hospital, where she underwent emergency treatment for a brain aneurysm.

There were no guarantees of recovery and things only got worse when Felicity suffered a second, more severe, aneurysm.

Doctors confirmed that there was nothing more they could do for Felicity. Her devastated brother Cash eventually agreed that the life support machines – which were the only things keeping her alive – could be switched off.

If you're wondering why this tragic storyline was written in, read on for all the details.

Why was Felicity Newman killed off in Home and Away?

Outside of Home and Away's small number of long-serving stars, most of the show's regulars tend to stick around for initial three-year contracts before bowing out from the soap, ensuring a regular turnover of cast.

Jacqui Purvis, who played Felicity, was no different. On Australian airdates, her first episode hit screens on August 19, 2021 and her final one went out exactly three years later on August 19, 2024.

In an exit interview after Felicity's death was revealed, Jacqui told Yahoo Australia: "I've had an incredible time on the show. Some of the best years of my life.

"However, I knew I wanted an international career, so I had to make the decision to leave and take the plunge."

Speaking to Inside Soap magazine more recently, Jacqui continued: "I'll be going off to the States to try my luck – hopefully I'll be working in the industry for the rest of my life, that's the dream."

Reflecting on her Home and Away highlights, she added: "Put quite simply, it's been the best three years of my life. I've been so lucky.

"The car crash [on Felicity and Tane's wedding day] was probably the highlight because it was so fun to film.

"Closely followed by the sexual assault storyline, because that was a real challenge for me as an actress."

Home and Away spoilers – what happens next after Felicity's death?

While we've now seen Felicity on our screens for the final time, her death will spark major storylines for several other characters. This is another likely reason for the tragic exit plot, as Felicity's death provides a creative way for the remaining regulars to go in new directions for a while.

Over the coming weeks, Eden Fowler struggles to deal with the joint heartbreak of her best friend's demise and Cash's decision to end their relationship on the day of the funeral.

Cash also bends the rules of organ donation to find the young woman who received Felicity's heart and lungs, although he soon sparks concern from his loved ones as he risks growing too attached to her.

As Tane grieves for Felicity, there are plenty more challenges keeping him busy as he deals with Perri Hayes' ongoing problems and finally discovers the truth about Harper's pregnancy.

Elsewhere, Bree Cameron faces a career crisis as she struggles with the knowledge that she couldn't save Felicity. She starts to obsess over the possibility of making mistakes at work, which risks the safety of patients as she pushes herself to exhaustion.