Summer Bay is about to plunge into a whirlwind of grief, passion, and shocking confrontations in the episodes airing next week, January 5–9. With tensions running high, emotions will spill over, relationships will be tested, and long-simmering conflicts will explode in ways that could alter lives forever. From heartbreaking losses to fiery romance, Summer Bay is proving once again that peace is never guaranteed in this coastal town. Here’s a detailed look at the 13 major storylines fans can expect.

1. Leo Struggles With Theo’s Loss
The week opens with Leo grappling with the emotional aftermath of losing Theo. In a raw and vulnerable moment, he attends his first counseling session to confront his grief and begin the process of healing. Attempting to persuade Leah to join him, Leo finds resistance, as Leah admits she’s not ready to speak to a stranger about such profound loss. Later, Leah ventures into Theo’s apartment to retrieve his beloved guitar, only to find Sunny listening to the lyric album they shared. The music sparks a wave of nostalgia and sorrow, leaving Leah in tears and highlighting just how deeply Theo’s absence continues to impact those left behind.

2. Dana Clashes With Harper
Family tensions rise as Dana struggles with Harper’s insistence on digging into their parents’ past. Dana seeks counsel from Sunny, hoping to focus on the positive aspects of her present life, but the friction is far from resolved. Harper’s desire to reconnect with their mother ignites a heated exchange when Dana confronts her about being potentially excluded from the plan. The disagreement underscores the ongoing complexities in their sibling dynamic, revealing that grief and family secrets are never easily reconciled.

3. Lacy Faces a Persistent Journalist
Lacy finds herself the focus of unwanted attention from Peter, a determined journalist seeking a profile piece. After refusing him outright, Lacy watches Peter attempt the same approach with David, only to face repeated rejection. When Peter approaches Justin, he is promptly sent away, but the incident leaves David feeling betrayed by Justin’s handling of the situation. The episode highlights the challenges of navigating privacy, grief, and public scrutiny, especially for those still reeling from personal loss.

4. Theo’s Guitar Finds a Meaningful Tribute
In one of the week’s most heartwarming storylines, Theo’s legacy is honored in a beautiful and poignant gesture. Sunny, alongside Remy, aims to preserve Theo’s memory as Back on Track Records gears up for business. Leah and Justin arrive with Theo’s guitar, requesting it be displayed in the studio alongside a commemorative plaque featuring Justin’s words: “Music is never a waste of time.” The tribute serves as both a healing moment and a reminder of Theo’s lasting impact on the community, offering comfort to Leah and reinforcing the enduring power of music and memory.

5. David Watches Tarn Closely
Tarn finds herself under the watchful eye of her father, David, as she prepares for a date with Joe. Their conversation about David’s suspended sentence sets the stage for a candid discussion with Joe about her past, revealing her honesty and integrity. Despite the scrutiny, Tarn and Joe move forward with their plans, sharing a drink and eventually revealing deeper feelings. The interplay between Tarn’s family obligations and personal desires adds layers of tension and anticipation to their budding romance.

6. Marilyn Overworks Herself
At the diner, Marilyn pushes herself beyond her limits, determined to hold the fort for Leah despite Alf’s efforts to ease her workload. Leah pleads with her friend to slow down, recognizing the toll this relentless pace is taking. Marilyn’s dedication underscores her resilience but also raises concerns about her well-being, setting the stage for an inevitable breakdown.

7. Levi Snaps at a Patient
Levi is forced to confront the pressures of his job when an aggressive patient, Lars, targets Bri in the hospital. Overwhelmed, Levi loses control and punches Lars, an act that leaves Bri stunned and raises serious questions about his professional conduct. This explosive moment highlights the fragility of maintaining composure in high-stress situations and foreshadows significant consequences for Levi.

8. Tarn and Joe Give Into Desire
Romance takes center stage as Tarn and Joe finally confront their feelings for one another. Meeting in a secluded spot on the beach, they acknowledge their mutual attraction and give into their passion. Their private encounter underscores the intensity of their connection, signaling that their relationship is ready to move into uncharted territory.

9. Levi’s Career Hangs in the Balance
The fallout from Levi’s altercation with Lars escalates as he faces potential disciplinary action. Although he takes responsibility for his actions, Cash arrives to arrest him for assault, leaving Eden deeply concerned for his future. Bri fears Levi’s momentary lapse may compromise the safety of the hospital staff and the broader community, highlighting the precarious balance between duty and personal emotion.

10. Marilyn Collapses at Work
The consequences of overwork catch up with Marilyn in a dramatic sequence at the diner. Ignoring Alf’s pleas to slow down, she pushes through a hectic day only to faint moments after speaking to Leah on the phone. Her collapse underscores the physical and emotional toll of relentless responsibility, creating a tense moment that shakes those around her.

11. Alf and Leah Force Marilyn to Rest
Following Marilyn’s collapse, Alf and Leah take decisive action to ensure she gets the rest she desperately needs. Despite Marilyn’s insistence on continuing her duties, Alf locks up the diner early to allow her an uninterrupted night’s sleep. The following morning, Leah is forced to send Marilyn home from her shift, emphasizing the importance of self-care and intervention when those we care about push themselves too far.

12. Leah Confronts Lacy
Grief manifests in unexpected ways as Leah lashes out at Lacy during a chance encounter. The intensity of Leah’s emotions leads to an uncharacteristic outburst, leaving Lacy hurt by her words. Cash intervenes just in time to prevent the situation from escalating further, but the damage to their relationship is clear. This moment highlights the fragility of interpersonal dynamics in the wake of tragedy and the need for compassion even amid anger.

13. Tarn and Joe’s Relationship Is Exposed
The secrecy of Tarn and Joe’s romance comes to an end when Lacy notices the chemistry between them. Cash confirms the relationship, leaving Lacy questioning why she wasn’t informed sooner. Tarn admits she wanted to shield her happiness out of respect for Lacy’s ongoing grief over Theo. This revelation adds an emotional layer to the story, exploring themes of timing, sensitivity, and the complexity of blending new love with lingering sorrow.

Next week in Summer Bay, viewers can expect an emotionally charged rollercoaster. The combination of grief, romance, ethical dilemmas, and personal crises ensures that the residents of Summer Bay are far from safe in their routines. As characters grapple with loss, temptation, and the consequences of their actions, the series continues to prove why it remains one of Australia’s most compelling dramas.

Stay tuned for these 13 gripping episodes, which promise to deliver heartbreak, tension, and moments of profound humanity. Summer Bay is a town where every decision carries weight, and next week, the stakes couldn’t be higher.