Emotions run high in Home and Away this week as Tane Parata and Jo Pulman finally give in to their growing attraction, but their romance could unravel before it’s even begun. With Jo’s protective father David already suspicious and sister Lacey catching on fast, the couple’s secret might not stay hidden for long.

Tane and Jo Give In to Their Feelings

After months of hesitation, Tane (Ethan Browne) and Jo (Maddison Brown) have decided to take a leap of faith and start a relationship. The pair, who bonded over shared grief and loss, finally acted on their feelings during last Thursday’s episodes, checking into the Bay Motel for a night together.

Maddison Brown explained to TV Week that their connection runs deeper than attraction: “Over time, Jo and Tane discover they have a lot in common. They’ve both lost people they loved, and that experience helps them understand each other better.”

The morning after, Jo suggests they keep their new romance under wraps, and Tane agrees. However, secrets in Summer Bay rarely stay secret for long.

Trouble With the Family

Tane has every reason to be cautious. Jo’s father, Sergeant David Pulman (Jeremy Lindsay Taylor), is already wary of him after uncovering Tane’s criminal history during a police review. Though Tane has been open about his past abduction charge involving baby Poppy, David isn’t convinced his daughter should be getting involved with a man who’s still serving time under an intensive correction order

Despite Tane’s efforts to stay honest, David’s warning lingers: Jo deserves “something simpler.” The comment rattles Tane, who briefly distances himself from Jo before finally confessing his fears and recommitting to the relationship.

But David isn’t the only obstacle.

Lacey Starts to Suspect

As the week continues, Jo’s sister Lacey (Sophea Pennington) grows increasingly suspicious. After losing her boyfriend Theo (Matt Evans) in a recent hit-and-run, Lacey is still grieving — making Jo hesitant to share her new happiness.

When Jo lies about working late at the hospital, Lacey senses something’s off. Her suspicions deepen after spotting a message on Jo’s phone thanking her for her “recent stay” at the Bay Motel.

Later, Lacey watches Jo at Tane’s boot camp session and sees the chemistry between them on full display. “Do they think they’re not being obvious?” she quips to Cash (Nicholas Cartwright), who tries — and fails — to play dumb.

The exchange leads to a playful but tense moment as Lacey tells him, “Tell me what you know, and I’ll tell you what I know.”

How Long Can They Hide It?

With Lacey connecting the dots and David already on edge, Jo and Tane’s new romance faces serious scrutiny. If word gets back to David, Tane could be in deeper trouble — not just personally, but legally.

Can the couple keep their secret safe long enough for their love to take root, or will family pressure tear them apart before it’s even begun?

This Week in Home and Away (Australia)

Monday 20th October – Episode 8606
Tane navigates new dynamics. Marilyn feels the strain. Leah lashes out at Lacey.

Tuesday 21st October – Episode 8607
Mackenzie comes home to chaos. Lacey covers for Jo. David eases off Tane — for now.

Wednesday 22nd October – Episode 8608
Mackenzie leans on a friend. Leah’s agony turns to anger. Levi opens up his heart.

Thursday 23rd October – Episodes 8609–8611
David warns Justin. Remi shares a big announcement. Sonny’s kindness sparks tension.
Harper ignores her sister’s warnings. Leah faces the law as John returns to the Bay.