Romance, even forbidden, seems to be at the height of the focus for Summer Bay residents if a new promo for Home and Away 2023 is to be believed.
After leaving fans on a massive cliff-hanger, the new promo has given life to some more spicy storylines particularly between Mackenzie (Emily Weir) and newcomer Dr Levi Fowler (Tristan Gorey). Home and Away producer Lucy Addario revealed to TV Week what fans should expect.
Justin reminisces on his relationship with Leah.
(Image: Instagram)The promo centres around the Summer Bay favourites preparing and eating a meal together in the picturesque beachside location. Amid this meal, there are various flashbacks from the 2023 season finale.
Justin (James Stewart) longingly looked at a picture of himself and Leah (Ada Nicodemou) before their relationship went awry; Bree (Juliet Goodwin) remembering her final moments with Remi (Adam Rowland) whose fate remains unknown; and an awkward encounter between Felicity (Jacqui Purvis) and Tane (Ethan Browne) whose marriage hit rocky waters.
“Unfortunately, Leah’s return to the Bay does not mean she and Justin can just go back to how they used to be,” Lucy said. “In 2024, the wedding is off the cards as far as Leah is concerned but Justin’s unconditional love for Leah gives him hope and he will stop at nothing to fight for the woman he loves to get the ‘wedding of the year’ back on track.”
Meanwhile, Tane’s marriage woes will lead him to make poor choices, seeing him “in serious trouble with the law,” according to Lucy.
Noticeably absent from the dinner table was Leah, Remi, Eden and Cash. The latter three were caught in a jaw dropping cliff-hanger in the 2023 season finale, with Remi and Eden’s life hanging in the balance.
Is a relationship forming between Levi and Mac?
(Image: Instagram)Fans were thrilled, however, to see Mackenzie in a romantic space with the new doctor Levi. While sitting around the table, Levi draped a jacket over Mac’s shoulders and proceeded to hold her hand.
“Mac puts a lot of trust in her handsome cardiothoracic surgeon who she is growing ever so closer to,” Lucy revealed to TV WEEK.
Things progressed as flashbacks showed the pair leaning in for a kiss!
“Mackenzie and dr 😍👏,” one fan commented.
Another commented: “Can’t wait for home and away next year Mackenzie end up with Levi.”
Mac was in hospital in the 2023 season finale.
(Image: Seven)Fresh faces will arrive to Summer Bay to stir up trouble with “devastating consequences.”
“We will meet an intriguing newcomer connected to Leah who will lead one of our favourite characters down a dark and dangerous path,” Lucy commented.
At the same time, a special event brings former residents home. But who? With Justin hoping to marry his bride Leah, could it be his sister, Dr Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee). Or will trouble bring the River Boys back to the shore?
“There will be a special event that you will not want to miss,” Lucy says. “In terms of departures, fans will just have to keep watching…”
Home and Away returns to screens on January 8, 2024, on Seven and 7Play.
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