Who do you turn to when no one else can relate to what you’re going through? This week, a new acquaintance from the mental health clinic comes to town with counsel that Leah needs and a secret that she is keeping hidden.
Since coming home from her rehabilitation stay, Ada Nicodemou’s character Leah in the movie Home and Away has had difficulty getting her life back on track.
She is staying with Marilyn (Emily Symons) and Alf (Ray Meagher) instead of her fiancé Justin (James Stewart) because she is afraid that living with Justin might set off a psychotic episode similar to the one that recently resulted in her stabbing him. However, the breakup can cause her relationship to worsen.
“Leah is concerned, because she doesn’t know how she even got to that breaking point, so it’s a case of small steps,” Ada, 46, told TV WEEK.
Though he makes an effort to be patient, Justin senses that his partner is losing interest in him and seizes any chance for a “chance” meeting. Concealed in the midst, Leah’s nephew Theo (Matt Evans) unintentionally turns as a confidante for both of them.
A struggling Leah is taking a walk to keep her mind clear when Valerie (Courtney Clarke), a new acquaintance she made while they were both working at the clinic, shows up in the Bay.
Having learned of Leah’s struggles and realising that she needs support from someone who can relate to her delicate mental state, Valerie has set out to assist.
“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,” Ada says.
Valerie persuades Leah to ask Justin to supper on the off chance. Justin is filled with anticipation after receiving the invitation, and he excitedly awaits the evening at the Diner. But will Leah be present?
Valerie is a newbie to the Bay, and Courtney, who recently starred in Paper Dolls and Last King of the Cross, says she will add a fresh energy.
“Valerie dresses in a very strong way and certainly isn’t of the Summer Bay mentality,” she says. “I was quite intrigued by her and thought she would be a great challenge to play.”
