Digital Spy article:

AUST PACE!


Home and Away airs a surprise exit for one member of the Parata family
Who left Summer Bay?

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hom...e-peters-exit/

Home and Away spoilers follow from Australian-pace episodes, which some UK readers may prefer to avoid.

Home and Away star Bree Peters has shared a heartfelt message with fans after her character Gemma Parata left Summer Bay.

The actress's alter ego made a surprise departure in Wednesday's episode on Channel 7 in Australia (July 8), heading back to New Zealand for an emotional occasion.

Gemma had arranged the trip to scatter the ashes of her late husband Mikaere.

Her son Nikau and brothers-in-law Ari and Tane were supposed to go too, but they were blocked from leaving the country due to Colby Thorne's ongoing investigation into a robbery at the Diner.

Gemma went ahead with the flight without the rest of her family, realising that paying final respects to Mikaere should be her main priority.

While there were no clues on screen to suggest Gemma wouldn't be back, Bree shocked fans on Instagram by revealing that it was her final episode.

Bree paid tribute to Home and Away producer Lucy Addario and script executive Louise Bowes for introducing the Paratas, the show's first Māori family.

She said: "Leaving in a jet plane...dunno when I'll be back again .... but thank you x thank you @lucyaddario @louise.bowes for helping bring faces like mine to HA.

"Thank you to all those who support and facilitate diversity with courage, nerve and commitment. More.More.More."

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Lucy replied: "Love you @breepetersnz! thank you for bringing your incredible talent, huge heart and voice to Summer Bay.

"You are talented beyond words and your ability to touch hearts is an extraordinary super power. We are so grateful for Gemma and the Parata whanau and were blessed to see your beautiful face everyday on screen and off."

Bree's on-screen family also paid tribute.

Kawakawa Fox-Reo, who plays Nikau, said: "Thank you for holding my hand. Thank you for challenging me to dig deeper into myself. Thank you for setting a massive standard to strive for.

"Thank you for being patient with me even when I was unprepared. Thank you for making authenticity a priority. Blessed indeed to have the opportunity to play your son. You the bomb oi."

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Ethan Browne, who plays Tane, commented: "Our Parata kuini, our matriarch. Nothing but deep gratitude and pure Aroha for you, e hoa! Stay cheeky, thank you for continually sharing your light and knowledge with us all @breepetersnz , you're bloody awesome!"

Rob Kipa-Williams, who plays Ari, also said: "You're a stella actress @breepetersnz tonight's performance was heartbreaking. Respect for holding to your values.. #epic."

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A spokesperson for Channel 5, which broadcasts Home and Away in the UK, told Digital Spy: "We can confirm that Bree's character, Gemma, made a departure from Australian screens last night. UK viewers will see Gemma's departure on air over the coming weeks."

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.15pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK) and Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 (Australia).