In a stunning turn that has left Home and Away fans reeling, Nicholas Cartwright has reportedly been officially drafted into the military — a life-altering move that has forced the beloved actor to step away from his acting career indefinitely.

Cartwright, best known for his intense and brooding portrayal of Colby Thorne on the long-running Australian soap, was said to be blindsided by the news. Sources close to the actor describe the moment as “surreal and devastating,” with Cartwright facing the impossible choice between answering a national call of duty and continuing the career he spent years building.

“This wasn’t something Nick saw coming,” an insider revealed. “He’s always been incredibly dedicated to his craft. Acting wasn’t just a job for him — it was his identity.”

The draft has reportedly required Cartwright to immediately suspend all current and future screen commitments. Projects that were quietly in development have now been shelved, while industry insiders admit the sudden exit has sent shockwaves through casting circles.

Fans will remember Cartwright’s Home and Away journey as one of the show’s most emotionally charged arcs in recent years. From Colby’s internal battles to his heartbreaking storylines, the actor became a fan favourite almost overnight. Many viewers had hoped his departure from Summer Bay would be temporary — a stepping stone to bigger roles in film and international television.

Instead, this unexpected real-life plot twist has rewritten everything.

“He’s proud to serve, but that doesn’t make this easier,” the source added. “There’s a real sense of mourning — not just for the career he’s stepping away from, but for the future he imagined.”

Social media has erupted with messages of disbelief and support, with fans expressing both admiration and heartbreak. “This feels like losing Colby all over again,” one fan wrote, while another added, “He deserves the world after everything he’s given to Australian TV.”

Cartwright himself has remained largely silent, though those close to him say he’s grappling with the emotional weight of the decision. Friends describe him as “resolute but reflective,” aware that this chapter will change him forever — both personally and professionally.

Industry veterans say the door to acting may not be permanently closed, but returning after such a commitment will not be easy. “Hollywood and television move fast,” one producer noted. “Time away can be brutal. But if anyone has the resilience to come back stronger, it’s Nick.”

For now, the spotlight fades as Nicholas Cartwright prepares for a vastly different kind of role — one defined not by scripts and cameras, but by duty and sacrifice.

Whether this marks the end of an acting era or merely an intermission remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: this is a storyline no one saw coming — and one that will be felt far beyond Summer Bay.