The New Times – Latest News Page

Next week on Home and Away in the UK, Summer Bay braces for one of its most tender and transformative storylines yet, as Roo Stewart makes

a life-altering proposal to her foster son, Cohen. Freshly discharged from hospital after a painful bout of tonsillitis, young Cohen returns to the Stewart household

physically recovered—but emotionally fragile. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind for the boy. He has only just come to terms with the devastating revelation

that his mother, Samantha, has relinquished her parental rights and no longer wishes to see him. The abandonment has left deep scars, even if Cohen is trying his best to put on a brave face.

For Roo, however, the experience has only strengthened her resolve.

Having grown increasingly attached to Cohen during his time under her care, Roo is determined to provide him with the stability and unconditional love he so desperately needs. With the shock of Samantha’s decision still lingering, Roo believes that offering permanence—true, legal belonging—could be the foundation Cohen needs to rebuild his sense of security.

But such a step is not without complications.

Alf Stewart, ever the protective patriarch, has initially harbored reservations about making such a monumental commitment. Roo’s history of emotional investments and heartbreak has made him cautious. Yet, witnessing the genuine bond forming between Roo and Cohen begins to soften his stance. Cohen’s vulnerability, coupled with Roo’s unwavering dedication, gradually wins Alf over. By the time Cohen returns home from hospital, Alf is no longer resisting the idea—he’s quietly supporting it.

Before moving forward, Roo seeks practical guidance. She approaches Harper with an unexpected request: would she be willing to provide a character reference if Roo formally applies to adopt Cohen?

Harper is visibly taken aback. Adoption is not a casual undertaking—it’s a permanent, life-defining choice. Her first instinct isn’t doubt about Roo’s capability, but concern for Cohen’s emotional readiness. Has Roo spoken to him yet? Has he been given space to process such a monumental shift?

When Roo admits she hasn’t raised the subject with Cohen, Harper gently cautions her. The conversation will be delicate, perhaps even painful. Cohen has only just absorbed the reality of his biological mother walking away. Introducing adoption so soon could reopen wounds.

Still, Harper makes her position clear: if Cohen is open to it—if this truly feels right for him—she will gladly stand by Roo’s side.

The following evening offers a glimpse of hope. Cohen lights up at the news that Alf plans to take him fishing the next day. During his hospital stay, the two bonded over a fishing magazine, imagining future trips and swapping stories. The outing promises to be more than recreation—it’s a sign that Cohen is weaving himself into the fabric of Stewart family life.

Sensing the timing may never feel “perfect,” Roo decides this could be her moment.

The next morning, the group heads down to the beach. Marilyn, ever sentimental, captures the occasion with a photograph: Alf and Cohen side by side, rods in hand, sunlight glinting off the water. It’s an image of belonging—of possibility.

As Alf begins setting up along the shoreline, Roo gently asks Cohen if they can have a quick chat.

What follows is one of the most emotionally charged conversations Summer Bay has seen in some time.

Roo begins carefully, asking Cohen how he feels about living with them. Does he feel happy there? Safe? Wanted? Cohen answers honestly—he does. There’s comfort in the Stewart home, a warmth he can’t deny.

Then Roo takes the leap.

She asks whether he would like to become part of their family permanently—if she were to adopt him.

The question lands heavily. Cohen is visibly stunned, his young mind racing to process what this truly means. Adoption isn’t just paperwork; it’s identity. It’s finality.

His first concern cuts straight to the heart: if Roo adopts him, would that mean he could never go back to his mum—if she changed her mind?

Roo’s heart aches at the thought. Gently, she explains that adoption would mean she would become his legal mother. It wouldn’t erase his past or the love he has for Samantha—but it would ensure he always has a home, no matter what.

Cohen’s next question is even more poignant.

“So you want my mum to not be my mum anymore?”

It’s a devastatingly honest interpretation. Roo is momentarily caught off guard but quickly reassures him. She isn’t trying to replace anyone. She simply wants to make sure he is never left without security again. Adoption, she explains, is about commitment—not substitution.

As the conversation unfolds, Cohen tentatively explores the idea. He even says “Cohen Stewart” aloud, testing how it feels. The name lingers in the air—both strange and strangely comforting.

Still, doubt shadows his expression.

Later, as he fishes with Alf, the gentle rhythm of the waves provides space for reflection. Alf senses something weighing on Cohen’s mind and quietly encourages him to speak.

Cohen admits he’s scared—scared that choosing adoption might mean forgetting his mum. Scared, too, of hurting Roo if he says no.

Alf’s response is characteristically grounded and compassionate. There is no right or wrong decision, he tells the boy. Love isn’t erased by paperwork. Memories don’t disappear because of a new surname. And most importantly, no one is rushing him.

He has all the time in the world to decide what feels right.

The storyline promises to resonate deeply with viewers, exploring themes of abandonment, loyalty, identity, and the true meaning of family. Roo’s offer is not portrayed as a fairytale solution, but as a complex, emotionally layered step forward—one that acknowledges Cohen’s pain while offering hope.

As Summer Bay watches from the sidelines, the question remains: will Cohen choose permanence with the Stewarts? Or is his heart still too entangled in the possibility of reconciliation with his biological mother?

Whatever he decides, one thing is certain—this chapter marks a turning point for Roo, Cohen, and the Stewart family. In a town where family is everything, the definition of belonging has never felt more profound.