Home and Away airs surprise exit scenes for Xander Delaney on UK screens next week.
The Summer Bay barman waves goodbye to pursue a new opportunity in Melbourne – but he has one last surprise for his girlfriend Dana Matheson before he goes.
In recent months, Xander has expressed a desire to broaden his horizons by becoming a business owner.
Xander’s original plan was to buy Felicity Newman’s share of Salt following her death, but he was left disappointed when this failed to come to fruition.
Next week’s Channel 5 episodes see Mackenzie Booth inform Xander about a six-week business internship that’s on offer in Melbourne.
One of Mackenzie’s friends has been in touch about the opportunity, which will see the lucky apprentice get trained up at a hotel.
Although this seems like the perfect chance for Xander to learn some vital new skills, he’s reluctant to spend so much time away from Dana.
Selfless as ever, Dana encourages Xander to take the opportunity as she’ll be waiting for him when he comes back.
The next day, Xander says his goodbyes to Dana and his sister Rose.
In a heartwarming moment, Xander tells Dana that he loves her for the first time before he goes.
As Dana worries about feeling lonely in Xander’s absence, Rose promises to step in and support her while he’s away.
Luke Van Os took on the role of Xander in early 2022. His exit scenes aired in Australia late last year, following months of rumours that he’d left the soap for good.
While Luke is thought to have finished filming for Home and Away some time ago, it’s currently unclear how his permanent departure will ultimately be explained as Xander’s course is only a six-week opportunity.
Luke still featured on screens at Australian pace last week in the show’s new opening titles, which feature shots of the cast walking along the beach.
Home and Away airs Xander’s departure on Thursday, February 20 on Channel 5.
Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5, with repeat screenings at 6pm on 5STAR and first look screenings at 6.30pm on 5STAR. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK.