90s Nostalgia: Heartbreak High Alum Returns to Home & Away — New Look Shocks Fans
Spoiler Summary for Home and Away: The Return of Jeremy Lindsay Taylor and the Farewell to Irene Roberts
After nearly a decade away, a familiar face is heading back to Home and Away — but not quite the way fans remember him. Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, once known to viewers as the corrupt and mysterious Dylan Carter, is making a surprising comeback to Summer Bay. Only this time, he’s trading in his dark past for a fresh start — as an entirely different man.
For long-time fans of the series, Jeremy’s return carries a wave of nostalgia and curiosity. Back in his original stint, his character Dylan Carter left a trail of chaos and betrayal. He was a crooked cop whose shady dealings and ruthless choices eventually caught up with him, leading to his shocking downfall and eventual death behind bars in 2019. Many thought that would be the last we’d ever see of Jeremy on the show — but as every Home and Away fan knows, nothing in Summer Bay stays buried forever.
Now, ten years later, the 52-year-old actor is stepping back into the world of Home and Away with a twist. He’s not resurrecting Dylan, but rather introducing an all-new character — Sergeant David Langham, a police officer from Yabi Creek. Unlike his former alter ego, David Langham is a straight-shooting lawman with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to justice. He’s the kind of man who follows the rules, earns respect, and carries a sense of moral clarity that Summer Bay has long been missing.

Spoilers have confirmed that Jeremy was recently spotted filming scenes for the upcoming 39th season on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, marking his official return to the soap that made him a household name. With his silver hair slicked back and his crisp blue uniform, Jeremy cuts an impressive figure as the seasoned Sergeant Langham — a far cry from the manipulative bad cop fans remember. Between takes, the actor was seen relaxing on set, coffee in hand and a muffin tucked away for later, exuding a calm confidence that mirrors his new character’s demeanor.
But beneath the surface of this polished new role lies a mystery waiting to unfold. Will Sergeant Langham truly be the good guy he appears to be, or will his presence in Summer Bay bring new complications to the lives of its residents? Viewers know that even the most upright characters in Home and Away often come with secrets — and Langham’s arrival may not be as simple as it seems.
Jeremy Lindsay Taylor’s return is also a poignant full-circle moment for the actor himself. Before his first appearance in Home and Away, Jeremy rose to fame in the iconic 1990s Australian teen drama Heartbreak High, where he played Kurt Peterson — the charming, sporty student whose storylines tackled social issues like racism and identity. The series, which ran for five years on Channel 10 and ABC, was a cultural touchstone for a generation and launched the careers of several stars, including Ada Nicodemou (who now plays Leah Patterson in Home and Away) and Callan Mulvey. Jeremy’s journey from the classrooms of Hartley High to the beaches of Summer Bay represents not just a nostalgic return, but a testament to his enduring presence in Australian television.
While Jeremy’s reappearance promises to inject new energy into the series, Home and Away is also preparing to say goodbye to one of its most beloved characters. In a storyline that has already brought audiences to tears, Irene Roberts — played by the legendary Lynne McGranger — has officially departed from Summer Bay after more than three decades.
The Season 38 finale saw Irene confront one of the most emotional and devastating arcs in the show’s history. After years of caring for others and holding the Bay together, Irene learned that she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Viewers watched in heartbreak as her once-sharp wit and maternal warmth began to fade. In her final scenes, Irene made the painful but empowering decision to leave Summer Bay and travel the world while she still could, choosing adventure and freedom over fear and decline.
Lynne McGranger’s final day on set was marked by heartfelt tributes from cast and crew, with behind-the-scenes footage showing tears, laughter, and deep appreciation for one of the show’s most enduring figures. The 72-year-old actress, who recently won the Gold Logie at the 65th Annual TV Week Awards, leaves behind an incredible legacy. For more than thirty years, McGranger portrayed Irene as the ultimate Aussie battler — tough, loving, and unbreakably loyal — a character who embodied the spirit of Home and Away itself.
Her departure marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new one. As Irene’s absence leaves a void in the hearts of fans and residents alike, Sergeant David Langham’s arrival hints at a new chapter for Summer Bay — one that blends nostalgia with renewal. Will Langham’s presence offer stability in the wake of so much loss? Or will his past come back to haunt him, blurring the line between justice and judgment once again?
Fans are already buzzing with speculation about how Langham will fit into the Bay’s evolving storylines. Will he work alongside familiar faces like Cash Newman and Rose Delaney, or will his methods clash with theirs? And will he become entangled in the drama that seems to shadow every newcomer who steps foot in the small coastal town?
As Home and Away gears up for its 39th season, anticipation is higher than ever. The series continues to deliver its signature blend of love, tragedy, and redemption — and Jeremy Lindsay Taylor’s comeback adds yet another layer to its rich tapestry of interconnected stories. His transformation from the once-corrupt Dylan Carter to the noble Sergeant Langham symbolizes the show’s enduring ability to reinvent itself while honoring its past.
Meanwhile, fans are still processing Irene’s emotional farewell, a storyline that resonated deeply with audiences for its realism and grace. Her journey — from a troubled woman with a difficult past to a nurturing figure who guided countless younger characters — has left an indelible mark on the world of Summer Bay.
As the sun sets on one era and rises on another, Home and Away continues to evolve, reminding viewers why it remains one of Australia’s most beloved and enduring dramas. Expect powerful performances, heartfelt goodbyes, and a few unexpected surprises as the next season unfolds.
Spoiler Alert: Season 39 of Home and Away will see a major shift in the Bay’s dynamics. With Irene’s departure, a new authority figure steps in — and his arrival may redefine what it means to serve and protect in Summer Bay. Jeremy Lindsay Taylor’s return promises a captivating blend of nostalgia, redemption, and drama that only Home and Away can deliver. Stay tuned — the calm waters of the Bay are about to get turbulent once again.