The shocking truth about Dimitri’s past lands with a thump – literally – this week when Theo aims a flying punch at his estranged father.
In tense scenes in Home And Away, Dimitri (Salvatore Coco) arrives in Summer Bay with one goal in mind: taking Theo (Matt Evans) home.
Theo’s aunt Leah (Ada Nicodemou) orchestrated the surprise visit, hoping to reconcile father and son.
“Theo was a victim of both physical and mental manipulation from a young age.”
(Image: Seven)But she doesn’t know the grim reasons for their estrangement – Dimitri has a history of abuse and, when his aggression became too much for Theo, the teen fled to the Bay.
Will he tell his aunt the truth?
“Theo was a victim of both physical and mental manipulation from a young age,” Matt 25, tells TV WEEK. “The physical abuse started when he was 14. When his father didn’t get his way, he would lose his temper.”
Dimitri assures Leah he’s there to make amends, but his behaviour suggests otherwise. He orders Theo to pack his bags, before accusing Leah of meddling in his family business.
Leah and Justin are perplexed and wanting to know the truth.
(Image: Seven)He also implies that she was the reason Theo’s mother asked him for a divorce.
Later at the Surf Club, Dimitri meets John (Shane Withington) – the only one Theo has confided in about his dad. Their brittle encounter leaves Leah and Justin (James Stewart) perplexed and wanting to know the truth.
Sensing John knows more than he’s letting on, Dimitri probes for information. John remains cordial in answering questions about Theo’s time in the Bay – but makes a not-so subtle mention of his troubled upbringing.
When John brings up Theo’s community service, Dimitri snaps.
Elsewhere, Theo is momentarily distracted after spending the night with Chloe (Sam Barrett). Giddy with hope, he suggests they go out on a date, but is taken aback when she appears uninterested and implies that their night together was a mistake.
Hurt and confused by the interaction, Theo decides to walk off his feelings on the beach when he comes across Dimitri having words with Justin and Leah. His anger boils over and he charges at his father, striking him.
“This [Chloe’s rejection] is a massive part of Theo punching his father,” Matt explains.
“All his frustration and hatred comes out when he gets used by Chloe, as he really had feelings for her. It tips him over the edge.”
