Behind the drama of Summer Bay, Home and Away’s most beloved real-life couple is quietly living a love story built on joy, resilience, and a whole lot of laughter. Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart have opened up about what keeps them grounded — and the exciting family future they’re planning together — offering fans a heart-warming glimpse beyond the screen.

While their on-screen counterparts Leah Patterson and Justin Morgan continue to face emotional turmoil, the real-life romance between Ada and James has been anything but rushed. After years of working closely as friends, their relationship finally turned romantic in 2024. That slow burn, they say, made all the difference. James credits their strong friendship as the foundation of everything, explaining that laughter has always been central to their bond. According to him, there has never been a day where humor hasn’t carried them through.

Ada echoes that sentiment, describing their relationship as deeply comforting and genuinely happy. For her, contentment has been the greatest reward — a sense of calm and warmth that she says she hadn’t fully experienced before. Fans caught a glimpse of that energy during TV Week’s exclusive Home and Away Christmas shoot, where the pair were seen dancing, joking, and sharing constant smiles between takes. The contrast couldn’t have been sharper when compared to their characters’ storylines.

On screen, Leah and Justin’s marriage is under immense strain. Leah’s grief following the tragic loss of her nephew Theo has driven a painful emotional wedge between them. As the season finale approaches, viewers are left questioning whether the couple can survive 2026 intact. Adding to Leah’s heartbreak is the departure of her closest confidante, Irene, who leaves Summer Bay after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis — a storyline Ada has admitted took a heavy emotional toll to portray.

After such an intense year, it’s no surprise the real-life couple is craving adventure and renewal. This Christmas, Ada and James are heading to Europe, with stops planned in Dublin and Oslo. Their goal? To chase the northern lights and experience a winter unlike anything they’ve known. For James, it will be his first ever white Christmas, while Ada is already bracing herself for the cold with layers of thermals, boots, and thick coats.

But this trip is just the beginning. In the year ahead, the couple plan to return to Europe — this time with their blended family. Ada’s son Jonas and James’ daughter Scout will join them for an ambitious journey across Cyprus, Italy, France, Spain, and London. The children are already counting down, with Jonas especially eager to tick a Liverpool football match off his bucket list.

Both parents have been proud watching their kids settle confidently into Year 7, a transition Ada admits initially worried her. Instead, the children have thrived, showing maturity, independence, and academic success that has pleasantly surprised them both.

For James, recently turning 50 has sparked reflection rather than change. He says the milestone has only deepened his appreciation for family, experiences, and the simple moments that matter most. From unforgettable holidays to laugh-out-loud memories — including a famously bizarre moment involving a cane toad in North Queensland — the couple believe life feels rich, balanced, and full.

As long as there’s love and laughter, Ada and James say they wouldn’t change a thing — proving that even in the midst of Summer Bay chaos, happiness can be beautifully simple.