Love is in the air, and it’s hitting all the right notes for Home and Away stars Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart, who have just taken their real-life romance to the next level with a heartwarming engagement. But here’s where it gets even more enchanting—the proposal happened on Valentine’s weekend at the picturesque Goldstein Reserve near Coogee Beach in Sydney’s East, proving that sometimes reality can rival even the most dramatic soap opera storylines. Stewart, 50, got down on one knee to pop the question to Nicodemou, 48, and her response was as joyful as you’d expect: a resounding ‘I said yes!!!’ shared in a social media video that quickly went viral.
The moment was nothing short of magical, with passers-by applauding as Nicodemou admired her dazzling diamond ring and tried to hold back tears of happiness. Stewart, her co-star of over a decade, swept her into the air for a celebratory kiss, marking their first step toward what promises to be a fairytale wedding. And this is the part most people miss—their on-screen chemistry as Justin Morgan and Leah Patterson-Baker has been so convincing that their characters even tied the knot in 2024, the same year the couple revealed they were dating in real life. Talk about life imitating art!
The announcement sparked an outpouring of love from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Lynne McGranger gushed, ‘Oh my heart! So thrilled for both of you! Of course Jimmy proposed and you said yes... on Valentine’s Day!’ Emily Symons called it ‘the most wonderful news,’ while comedian Olga Thompson simply said she was ‘so happy for you!’ But here’s the controversial question—does their real-life romance make their on-screen relationship even more compelling, or does it blur the lines between fiction and reality? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Nicodemou, who has been a staple on Home and Away since 2000 with over 3,100 episodes under her belt, and Stewart, who joined the show in 2016, have become fan favorites both on and off the screen. Their characters’ romance was even nominated for Best Soap Couple at the Digital Spy Reader Awards in 2025, proving that their connection resonates far beyond Summer Bay. As they prepare to walk down the aisle, one thing is certain: this couple’s love story is one for the books—and the soap opera halls of fame.
