Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart: A Home and Away Romance That Led to Engagement
The beloved Australian acting duo, Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart, known for their roles as Leah Patterson and Justin Morgan on the iconic soap opera Home and Away, have taken their on-screen chemistry into real life, announcing their engagement. The news broke on Sunday, February 15th, when Ada took to Instagram to share a heartwarming video of James proposing during what appeared to be a romantic Valentine’s Day outing. With a delighted Ada exclaiming, “I said yes!!!”, their public declaration of love has captivated fans.
This engagement marks a significant milestone for the couple, whose relationship has blossomed over the past few years. While they have shared the screen for many years, their romantic connection reportedly began to flourish in 2024. Although the exact start date of their relationship remains private, their romance became public knowledge when they were photographed sharing a kiss on Anzac Day of that same year. Celebrating their first anniversary in April 2025, it’s believed their relationship was in its early stages when they were first spotted as a couple.
Ada has spoken openly about her happiness with James, telling Sunrise in July 2024 that they were “really happy” together. She praised James’s talent as an actor, stating, “James is such an amazing actor. I love working with him. That’s not changed as well.” She further emphasised that their personal happiness wasn’t dependent on public knowledge of their relationship, adding, “Yeah, so whether it’s out there or not doesn’t really change anything for us.” The couple made their relationship red carpet official at the 2024 Logie Awards, and their bond has only strengthened since. Over their two-year romance, they have enjoyed globetrotting adventures and cherished their time together, culminating in their recent engagement.
A Blended Family’s Joy
Both Ada and James bring children from previous relationships into their union, creating a beautiful blended family. Ada is a proud mother to her son, Johnas, from her marriage to Chrys Xipolitas. James shares a daughter, Scout, with his ex-wife, Jessica Marais, an actress also known for her role in Packed to the Rafters.
Home and Away stars James Stewart and Ada Nicodemou are engaged!
The couple has spoken to TV WEEK about the special bond that has formed between Johnas and Scout since their families merged. “They get along so well,” Ada shared, describing them as being “like brother and sister now.” This harmonious relationship has allowed Ada and James to embark on blended family holidays, including a memorable trip to Port Douglas with both Johnas and Scout.
Ada Nicodemou beams as she watches James Stewart on Dancing With The Stars
When it came to making their relationship public, Ada and James highlighted that their children’s well-being and acceptance were paramount. James stated at the 2025 Logie Awards, “The only thing that mattered were our kids. That our kids knew and agreed.” This thoughtful approach underscores their commitment to their family’s happiness above all else.
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Inside Ada Nicodemou’s close bond with her son Johnas
Navigating Past Relationships
Before finding love with Ada, James Stewart was previously married to actress Sarah Roberts. Sarah, who portrayed Willow on Home and Away, began dating James in 2017, and they married in 2019. However, their marriage concluded in 2023. Sarah has since spoken about her past marriage, hinting that she was not “happy” towards its end. In August 2024, she told the Herald Sun, “For a while I wasn’t the happiest chappy on the block, but I’m loving life at the moment.” She reflected on personal growth, stating, “So much has changed. I don’t have any regrets… I think (it’s good) if you can learn to grow, which is what I always wanted to do within my marriage. I wanted to do it with a team partner, and that’s going to be someone else now.”
Ada Nicodemou was previously in a long-term relationship with Adam Rigby. Their eight-year partnership ended at the close of 2023, paving the way for her new chapter with James.
