Home and Away to introduce new character in Leah's storyline
Home and Away spoilers follow for Australian-pace episodes, which some UK viewers may prefer to avoid.
Home and Away is set to introduce a new character named Valerie as part of Leah Patterson's ongoing recovery storyline.
Following a stay at a mental health clinic to help overcome trauma after she and Justin were kidnapped by a cult, Leah returned home to Summer Bay and has since been struggling to get her life back on track.
In scenes set to air this week in Australia – and March for UK viewers – Leah is back in the Bay and staying with friends Marilyn and Alf. She is concerned that living with fiancé Justin Morgan again could trigger another psychotic episode similar to the one which caused her to pull a knife on him previously.
However their new living arrangement risks damaging their relationship further and, despite his attempts to remain patient, causes Justin to worry Leah is slipping away.
Related: Home and Away star Nicholas Cartwright teases big change for Cash Newman
Struggling to adapt to her new reality, Leah heads out to clear her head and bumps into Valerie (Courtney Clarke), who she had become good friends with while staying at the clinic.
Aware of Leah's turmoil and struggles back home, Valerie has arrived in the Bay determined to help her, knowing that she needs someone who understands her state of mind.
Valerie convinces Leah to arrange a dinner with Justin, who eagerly accepts her invitation and heads over to the diner later that evening. But will Leah turn up to their meeting?
Speaking about the storyline and Valerie's arrival in the Bay, Ada Nicodemou revealed to TV WEEK that Valerie will be able to give her character Leah support that "others can't."
Related: Home and Away star Ada Nicodemou reveals new project away from acting
"She was Leah's roommate and best friend in the clinic, so she really relies on her for support in a way others can't," she said of Valerie's arrival.
Meanwhile, Paper Dolls star Clarke added that she was "intrigued" by the character of Valerie, telling TV WEEK: "Valerie dresses in a very strong way and certainly isn't of the Summer Bay mentality.
"I was quite intrigued by her and thought she would be a great challenge to play."
Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5, with repeat screenings at 6pm on 5STAR and first look screenings at 6.30pm on 5STAR. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK.
In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7Plus.
Read more Home and Away spoilers on our dedicated homepage
You Might Also Like
