After a quiet on-screen exit, the emotional real-life goodbye has left Summer Bay stunned

A Sudden and Silent Departure

Home and Away fans are in mourning as Luke Van Os, who played Xander Delaney for nearly three years, has officially departed the long-running Australian soap. While viewers in Australia saw Xander’s quiet exit last year, the full emotional weight of the storyline—and Luke’s real-life farewell—has now hit home.

The beloved Summer Bay paramedic and bartender left for Melbourne in what was originally described as a temporary internship. But behind the scenes, it was the beginning of the end for Xander’s story—and for Luke’s time on the show.

Exit Confirmed, Relationship Ends

In recent Australian-paced episodes, it was revealed that Xander’s move to Melbourne became permanent. He chose to remain in the city, which led to a heartbreaking off-screen breakup with his long-distance girlfriend, Dana Matheson. With no dramatic sendoff or final goodbye scene, fans were left stunned by how quietly the character vanished from the Bay.

The lack of closure only deepened the emotional impact—especially when Luke took to Instagram to post a tear-jerking video tribute, set to music and filled with behind-the-scenes moments from his years on set.

“Where does the time go,” he wrote in the caption. “Thanks for the best 3 years @homeandaway.”

Cast and Fans React with Raw Emotion

The video sparked an outpouring of love from fans and castmates alike. Tristan Gorey (Levi Fowler) wrote: “It’s not the same without you, my friend.” Kirsty Marillier (Rose Delaney) reacted with a stunned “AW MAN!!!!!!” while Matt Evans (Theo Poulos) shared: “Yeah bro, such a great time. Miss you.”

Even former cast members chimed in. Laura Vazquez added: “Such fun times and vibez @lukevanos we miss you ❤️ Mama xx,” and fan-favorite Sam Frost shared a touching memory:

“This is epic 🙌🏻 I feel so lucky we got to be real life housemates and on-screen bro and sis. You’re the best! We love you x.”

Luke also responded to his fans, thanking them personally:

“Special thank you to everyone who watched Xander over the last 3 years. Your support has never gone unnoticed.”

A Legacy That Won’t Be Forgotten

Though Xander’s exit may not have included a fiery stunt or shocking twist, the emotional weight it carried behind the scenes was just as powerful. Luke Van Os leaves behind a character who quietly became one of the Bay’s moral centers—and whose absence will be deeply felt.