Home and Away viewers still remember Jacqui Purvis as Felicity Newman, a character who arrived fierce, stayed complicated, and left behind an unforgettable impact. Since her emotional exit from the soap, Jacqui has kept a lower profile, quietly building toward her next move. Now, her career is taking a turn that few fans saw coming, and it speaks about where her creative heart is heading next.
Life After Felicity Newman Took an Unexpected Turn
Jacqui captured hearts during her time on Home and Away through Felicity’s intense journey and her epic love story with Tane Parata. When the character died suddenly from a brain aneurysm in August 2024, the shock spread through the fanbase, marking a painful but memorable exit that left viewers wondering what Jacqui would tackle next.
After stepping away from the soap, Jacqui focused on expanding her screen career and spent time travelling in the United States. During that period, she landed a role in the major film Fear Is The Rider, signalling that her post–Home and Away path would stretch far beyond Summer Bay.
Jacqui Purvis Takes a Bold Creative Leap
Jacqui has now confirmed she is returning to Australia for her first professional theatre role, producing and starring in Danny and the Deep Blue Sea by John Patrick Shanley. The play will run at The Old Fitz Theatre in Melbourne from January 13 to February 1, 2026, marking a major shift from television drama to raw, intimate stage work.
She explained that the play drew her in because of its emotional risk and intensity, describing it as dangerous, deeply emotional, and violent, while still grounded in romance and love. Jacqui shared that at its core, the story focuses on connection, something she feels people have drifted away from, making the timing of the production especially meaningful.
Jacqui has been candid about how demanding the transition from screen to stage has been. She explained that she was used to the large ensemble environment of Home and Away, but this play leaves no room to hide, with just two actors on stage for the entire 75-minute runtime. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the latest soap news from Home and Away.