Summer Bay is bracing for heartbreak as Home and Away prepares to deliver one of its most emotional exits in recent memory. In upcoming episodes, John makes the devastating decision to leave the Bay — a move that will leave friends, family and viewers completely blindsided.

According to insiders, John’s departure doesn’t come from a place of anger or betrayal, but from quiet desperation. After weeks of internal conflict and soul-searching, he realises that staying in Summer Bay is slowly tearing him apart. While he has tried to put on a brave face, those closest to him soon begin to notice cracks forming beneath the surface.

“John feels like he’s failed,” a source close to the storyline revealed. “He’s carrying guilt that no one else fully understands, and he believes the only way to protect the people he loves is to walk away.”

The decision sends shockwaves through the Bay when John finally breaks the news. Long-time friends are left stunned, struggling to comprehend why he would abandon the life he helped build. Emotional confrontations follow, with several characters accusing John of running from his problems rather than facing them head-on.

One particularly raw scene sees John confess that Summer Bay has become a painful reminder of everything he’s lost — dreams that never came true, relationships that fell apart, and choices he wishes he could take back. His words hit hard, especially for those who believed he was stronger than ever.

As news of his departure spreads, tensions rise. Some residents rally around him, offering support and urging him to reconsider. Others feel betrayed, claiming John is leaving them to deal with the consequences of his unfinished business. The divide threatens to fracture friendships that have lasted for years.

What makes the storyline even more heartbreaking is the timing. John’s exit comes just as things appear to be stabilising in the Bay, raising questions about whether he’s making the biggest mistake of his life. Insiders hint that one last emotional plea could change everything — but John may already have his mind made up.

Behind the scenes, the storyline has been crafted to honour the character’s legacy while delivering maximum emotional impact. Fans can expect tear-filled goodbyes, unresolved feelings, and a farewell that won’t be easily forgotten.

“John’s departure isn’t just about leaving a place,” the insider added. “It’s about confronting who he is and who he might become without Summer Bay.”

Whether John’s exit is permanent or simply the beginning of a new chapter remains tightly under wraps. What’s certain is that his decision to leave will leave a lasting scar on the Bay — and on the hearts of viewers who have followed his journey.

As Summer Bay prepares to say goodbye, one question looms large: will John walk away for good, or will the pull of home prove too strong to resist?