Home and Away fans have watched Leah and Justin survive plenty of drama on screen. But now the actors behind the beloved couple have taken a big step in real life too. Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart have surprised fans with a heartfelt announcement that instantly set social media buzzing and brought messages pouring in from co-stars and viewers alike.
Ada Nicodemou And James Stewart Announce Engagement After Two Years Together
The Home and Away actress revealed the news first on Instagram, sharing a video of James Stewart dropping to one knee in a park and presenting a huge diamond ring. The romantic clip played to Lonestar’s Amazing, while friends and family cheered loudly in the background as she accepted.
She captioned the post simply, “I said yes!!!” and fans flooded the comments within minutes. James posted the same video on his own account and confirmed the milestone with the words: “She said yes.”
The announcement quickly caught the attention of their Home and Away family. Long-time cast member Lynne McGranger congratulated them warmly, writing she was “so thrilled” and joking that it felt perfectly fitting he proposed on Valentine’s Day, adding she wished them happiness always. The official soap account also reacted, posting: “THE MOST WONDERFUL NEWS.”
A Relationship Years In The Making
Ada and James famously play Leah Patterson and Justin Morgan on the Australian soap, and their characters even tied the knot on screen in 2024; long before real life caught up. That same year, their off-screen relationship became public after photographers captured them sharing a kiss while waiting for an Uber. Later, Ada spoke about the relationship on the No Filter podcast, explaining their connection developed slowly after decades of friendship.
She said they had known each other for about 25 to 30 years and never felt anything romantic for a very long time. Then something suddenly changed. She recalled that a spark appeared for the first time and admitted it felt strange because it had never existed before. She also shared they had just started dating and wanted to keep things private, but the photos exposed them early; though, as she put it, everyone important already knew.
Their engagement now marks a full-circle moment for the pair, whose professional partnership gradually evolved into a personal one after years of trust and familiarity. What began as friendship eventually became chemistry and now a lifelong commitment.
With fans already invested in their fictional love story, the real-life proposal has added another layer of excitement for viewers who watched their characters marry first. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Home & Away spoilers.