Yet another fan favourite could be headed for an emotional exit this week when Ash decides to leave his troubled life behind.
But one person could stop Ash (George Mason) from leaving Summer Bay: his ex-girlfriend, Tori (Penny McNamee).
Although they split up in recent episodes of Home And Away, the two are clearly still in love. Now, the local doc will be forced to make the biggest decision of her life.
“Not that long ago, Tori and Ash had planned to leave town together, so there’s always that thought,” George, 27, tells TV WEEK. “They still love each other.”
Is there a future for the ex-lovers?
The impromptu decision comes about after Ash runs into Leah (Ada Nicodemou) on the beach. The Diner owner is grinning from ear to ear after booking a trip to Cyprus to visit her son VJ (Matt Little) and his baby Luc.
For Ash, who’s been contemplating his future, Luc’s mention serves as a reminder of another personal loss.
“It’s been a tumultuous time for him in Summer Bay,” George explains. “He has lost everything. Ash needs to start afresh somewhere else.”
Returning home, a despondent Ash spontaneously books a one-way trip to Cyprus.
The next day at the garage, he tells Justin (James Stewart) about his plans. Justin is quietly gutted – and suspects his sister Tori will be too.
Justin pleads with Ash not to abandon his life in the seaside suburb. But is it simply too little, too late?
Later, Ash plucks up the courage to tell Tori he’s leaving. He admits their split confirmed there’s nothing left for him in the Bay.
A stunned Tori pretends she’s fine, but the pain is etched on her face.
Poor Tori wasn’t expecting Ash’s shock news.
When Ash adds he’s heading off the very next day, the heartbreak is too much. Perhaps Tori knew this day was coming. Or did she hope they would eventually reunite?
“In an ideal world, they would be together still,” George says. “But she has to consider her family.”
Word quickly spreads, and the next morning, the locals gather to farewell Ash. While he’s touched by the gesture, he’s saddened by Tori’s glaring absence.
Across town, the doctor is struggling to hide her hurt. Justin arrives home and tries to comfort his sister. He urges Tori to run and find Ash – and adds it could be her final chance.
With a knowing look, Tori grabs her bag and races out the door. Will she convince Ash to give the Bay – and her – one more shot? Or has Tori just lost him for good?
For more soap plot teasers, and the latest Home and Away gossip, pick up a copy of this week’s issue of TV WEEK.
Home and Away airs Monday to Thursday, 7pm, Channel Seven.
