Home and Away is gearing up for one of its most chilling and emotionally intense chapters yet in 2026, as a ghost from the past storms back into Summer Bay and unleashes consequences no one is prepared for. At the heart of this unfolding nightmare is Kerrie, the long-absent mother of Harper and Dana, whose sudden return threatens to reopen old wounds, expose buried secrets, and put the entire family on a dangerous collision course.

Four years after the devastating death of their father from a drug overdose, Harper has tried to build a stable life, but the shadow of addiction and loss has never truly loosened its grip. That fragile sense of peace is completely shattered when Kerrie reappears without warning, turning up at Harper’s home as if no time has passed. There is no explanation, no heartfelt apology for the years of absence—just her unsettling presence, which immediately leaves Harper shaken and deeply unsettled.

Dana’s reaction is far more extreme. Unlike her sister, she refuses to engage at all, believing some doors should remain permanently closed. To Dana, Kerrie represents everything that destroyed their childhood, and the idea of welcoming her back is unthinkable. Tensions escalate rapidly when Dana and Tane make a firm, non-negotiable decision: Kerrie is not to be left alone with Archie under any circumstances. The fear is clear—this isn’t just about emotional damage, but the possibility of history repeating itself.

Kerrie’s past struggles with addiction, combined with the eerie timing of her return, spark growing suspicion. Is she really back to reconnect with her daughters, or is there something far more sinister at play? As unanswered questions pile up, the atmosphere within the family becomes suffocating. Harper finds herself torn between hope and instinct, battling the desire to believe her mother has changed while sensing that something is deeply wrong.

Spoilers suggest Kerrie’s presence will steadily erode trust and push Harper into a psychological war between self-preservation and unconditional family loyalty. Her return begins to fracture Harper and Tane’s already fragile co-parenting dynamic, threatening to unravel everything they’ve worked so hard to build for Archie’s safety. In Summer Bay, it becomes painfully clear that Kerrie doesn’t need to act dramatically to cause destruction—her mere existence is enough to destabilize lives.

Fans have erupted with speculation since news of Kerrie’s comeback broke. Many believe her return is no coincidence, with theories swirling that she knows far more about her husband’s death than she has ever admitted. Others suspect she may be driven by fear—either of the truth coming out or of losing control entirely. One concern dominates fan discussions: Archie. Viewers fear the child could become the emotional leverage—or worse, the catalyst—for the next tragedy.

While Dana remains firm in her refusal to engage, fans worry most about Harper. Unlike her sister, Harper is emotionally vulnerable, still clinging to the belief that people can change. Many predict Kerrie will exploit that weakness, manipulating guilt, love, and unresolved grief to get what she wants.

Although details remain tightly under wraps, one thing is already clear: Kerrie’s return is set to ignite one of Home and Away’s darkest and most psychologically haunting storylines. This isn’t just a family reunion—it’s a warning. In Summer Bay, the past never stays buried, and when it comes back, it doesn’t just haunt you… it destroys everything in its path.