Since becoming a paramedic, Xander has taken the emotional toll of his job head-on.
But in Home And Away this week, the first responder’s stress begins to manifest in an unexpected way: tattoos.
Although he survived, the shooting of police officer Cash (Nicholas Cartwright) during the recent police raid on the bikie headquarters pushed Xander (Luke Van Os) to the edge.
“Xander is often empathetic to how they [patients] feel, and understanding of what it feels like to lose someone close to you,” Luke tells TV WEEK.
When Rose (Kirsty Marillier) arrives home to find her brother icing a fresh tattoo on his chest that’s become infected, she worries for his welfare. She’s seen him get tatts in times of trauma before – after their father died – and knows it’s a sign he’s hurting.
In a heartwarming moment, Rose cleans Xander’s infected skin and has a life-altering proposal: why don’t they both leave Summer Bay? After all, everyone important to them has either pushed them away or left – including their half-sister Jasmine (Sam Frost).
Rose, who feels enormous guilt over the shooting of Cash, is still hurt after he decided to cut them out of his life so he can move on from Jasmine. To her, it feels like everyone is giving up on them.
Xander agrees to think over his sister’s suggestion about leaving, but isn’t convinced quitting the Bay is the answer. Will the siblings stick it out?
HOME AND AWAY airs Monday to Thursday, 7pm, Channel Seven