As next week’s episodes of Home and Away unfold in the UK, a sense of mounting tension hangs over Summer Bay. The already complex dynamic in the Stewart household is set to face a significant test, as Roo’s deep-seated anxieties about losing her foster son, Cohen, cause her to pull away from his biological father, Adrian.

Roo’s initial joy at finding Cohen’s biological father, Adrian, has quickly soured, replaced by a gnawing fear that her dream of adopting him is about to be shattered. This apprehension drives a wedge between Roo and Adrian. Despite her best intentions, Roo finds herself shutting him out, a move that only serves to alienate Cohen further and risks pushing him away completely. The once-promising reunion has become a source of turmoil, leaving Roo torn between her desire to do what’s right and her overwhelming fear of loss. The emotional weight of this situation threatens to unravel her relationship with Cohen and strains her connection with her own family.

Meanwhile, Remi’s personal struggles escalate, pushing him to a dangerous breaking point. His recent pattern of self-destructive behavior, fueled by a mixture of unresolved issues and despair, is on a collision course with the law. His actions are becoming increasingly reckless, and it appears he’s ready to abandon all caution, putting his freedom and future at risk. Remi’s friends and loved ones can only watch in dismay as he spirals further out of control, knowing that his path could very well lead to a dramatic and life-altering arrest. The consequences of his self-destructive choices could have a ripple effect, impacting not only his own life but also the lives of those who care about him most.

In a sudden and dramatic turn of events, the adoption process for Cohen, which had seemed so certain, has now been thrown into complete disarray. Just as the final steps were being taken, a startling discovery by local Sergeant David has brought everything to a screeching halt.

Cohen’s future had seemed all but settled after his mother, Samantha (Heidi May), was arrested and subsequently relinquished all parental rights. This act had paved the way for Roo to officially adopt him, setting the wheels in motion for a new, stable life. However, while poring over an old case file, David stumbled upon a crucial, previously overlooked detail: a record mentioning an old boyfriend of Samantha’s. This individual, it was revealed, had posted bail for her at a pivotal time—when she was pregnant with Cohen. This discovery reopens a case that everyone thought was closed and introduces a new, unforeseen player into Cohen’s life, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his adoption and Roo’s hopes for their future together.

When Adrian (Tom Matthews) was summoned to Yabbie Creek police station, he confirmed what local Sergeant David had suspected: Adrian had always believed he was Cohen’s father. He recounted a story of heartbreak and loss, explaining that Samantha had walked out on him when Cohen was only three months old.

A DNA test was quickly arranged to confirm the biological link. However, despite being given a clear instruction to keep his distance from Cohen until the results were in, fate intervened. A chance meeting in Summer Bay brought Adrian face-to-face with the young boy. Unable to resist, Adrian introduced himself to a confused Cohen, a moment that will undoubtedly add another layer of complexity to an already tense situation. This unexpected encounter not only defies the police’s directive but also risks a premature and emotional meeting that could have lasting consequences for everyone involved.