Will a surprise guest this week on Home and Away in Australia provide Leah the help she needs to mend her relationship with Justin?
After returning to Summer Bay from a stay in a mental health centre, Ada Nicodemou’s character Leah was still having trouble finding her way back to Justin (James Stewart) at the close of last week’s episodes.
Leah subsequently said that she didn’t trust herself around Justin, explaining why she had asked to stay at Summer Bay House with Alf (Ray Meagher), Roo (Georgie Parker), and Marilyn (Emily Symons).
Tiredness and paranoia had made Leah hold Justin at knifepoint in the diner, and ever since, she’d been afraid she might injure him again.
Ada recently told TV Week, “Leah is concerned because she doesn’t know how she even got to that breaking point, so it’s a case of small steps.”
Theo (Matt Evans), a nephew of Leah, was left to mediate between Justin and Leah as they kept inquiring about each other’s well-being. Eventually, though, Theo threw in the towel, saying he didn’t want to be caught in the middle any longer.
Leah went to see Justin in the garage, telling him they needed to chat, after learning that he was not as fine as Theo had been making out.
When the pair returns to the scene this week, it doesn’t seem like they’ve made any progress.
In a preview for tonight’s episode, Justin is seen getting irritated when Leah leaves the garage after they had a discussion.
Justin hurls a toolbox onto the ground out of rage, and Leah hesitates for a little while.
Valerie (Courtney Clarke) arrives to the Pier Diner just as Leah is explaining to Marilyn that she needs to cut off all contact with Justin until she feels better.
Valerie tells Marilyn that Leah and she had shared a room at the clinic that Leah had just returned from, and Leah is overjoyed to see her.
“She really relies on her for support in a way others can’t because she was Leah’s roommate and best friend in the clinic,” Ada says.
Leah makes her embarrassing confession when Valerie informs her that seeing Justin is a part of the reason she’s visiting Summer Bay as they catch up over coffee.
Leah acknowledges, “I don’t trust myself around him,” as they stroll close to the shore.
Later, Justin arrives in his automobile and interrupts Valerie, Leah, Alf, and Marilyn as they enjoy afternoon tea outside Summer Bay House.
Justin decided to bring Leah some of her clothes after she had earlier asked Theo to pick up some items for her from home.
Valerie motions for Leah to extend an invitation to Justin to stay for supper as he heads back to his car.
Taking a deep breath, Leah invites Justin, who accepts with pleasure.
Will Leah get the encouragement she needs from Valerie?
Two weeks ago, we brought you our first news on Courtney Clarke’s casting for Hi-5 and Paper Dolls, revealing that her character will “cause a few waves” in Summer Bay.
“I thought Valerie was a really interesting character when I read the brief,” Courtney remarked. “And above all, I enjoy portraying characters who are the most unlike me.”
Courtney went on to tell TV Week that Valerie “dresses in a very strong way and certainly isn’t of the Summer Bay mentality.” She piqued my interest, and I felt playing with her would be a thrilling challenge.
