Summer Bay Sweethearts Set to Tie the Knot in Real Life
The picturesque shores of Summer Bay are abuzz with excitement as two of its most beloved residents, Home and Away stars James Stewart and Ada Nicodemou, have announced their engagement. The on-screen couple, who portray Justin Morgan and Leah Patterson-Baker respectively, shared their joyous news on Sunday morning, much to the delight of fans and colleagues alike.
This real-life milestone comes after the pair have already navigated the intricacies of married life on the popular Australian soap opera, having played husband and wife on the show since 2024. Their on-screen chemistry has clearly translated into a deep and lasting connection off-screen.
A Flood of Congratulatory Messages
The couple’s announcement, made via Instagram, was met with an outpouring of well-wishes. The comments section of their posts was a vibrant tapestry of support from fans and a who’s who of the Australian television landscape, particularly from their Home and Away family.
- Emily Symons, who plays Marilyn Chambers on the series, expressed her elation: “This is the most wonderful news! Congratulations Ada and Jimmy, you deserve every happiness.”
- Former Home and Away star Lynne McGranger (Irene Roberts) shared her heartfelt excitement: “Oh my heart!! So thrilled for both of you!! Of course Jimmy proposed and you said yes!!! on Valentines Day!! Excellent news!! Wishing you guys every happiness always.”
The Romantic Proposal
Providing a glimpse into the magical moment, Nicodemou shared a touching video on Instagram capturing her now-fiancé’s heartfelt proposal. In the clip, Stewart, 50, is seen professing his love in a public park, getting down on one knee.
Nicodemou, 48, looked radiant in a red dress as she visibly fought back tears during Stewart’s emotional address. Her caption simply read, “I said yes!!”
Stewart mirrored the sentiment on his own account, posting the same video with the caption, “She said yes.” The tender clip was set to the backdrop of Lonestar’s iconic love ballad “Amazed,” leading many to speculate if it might be their chosen song for their future first dance.
Adding to the heartwarming scene, Stewart’s 13-year-old daughter, Scout, whom he shares with ex-partner Jessica Marais, also made an appearance in the video, offering her congratulations and admiring the sparkling diamond ring. Nicodemou’s 13-year-old son, Johnas, from her previous marriage to restaurateur Chrys Xipolitas, was not featured in the proposal video.
A Friendship Blossoms into Love
The journey of James Stewart and Ada Nicodemou from close friends to a romantic couple was revealed at the 2024 TV Week Logie Awards. Their enduring friendship, spanning over 25 years, laid a strong foundation for their eventual romance.
“We were always really, really good friends,” Stewart explained to TV Week last year. “And I have not stopped laughing. I still laugh every morning.” Nicodemou echoed his sentiments, adding, “We laugh a lot. It’s been lovely. I feel really content and happy.”
Stewart was previously married to Home and Away co-star Sarah Roberts for five years, with their separation occurring in early 2024, just a few months before his relationship with Nicodemou became public. Nicodemou’s personal life saw a significant change when she and Xipolitas divorced in 2016 after a decade of marriage. More recently, she was in an eight-year relationship with businessman Adam Rigby, which concluded towards the end of 2023.
Now, as they embark on this new chapter, the Summer Bay community and their devoted fans eagerly await the wedding of James Stewart and Ada Nicodemou, celebrating their love story both on and off the screen.
