For months, Home and Away fans have been reeling from one of the most devastating twists in the show’s history: the death of Cash Newman in the explosive 2025 season finale.

Now, for the first time since the episode aired, actor Nicholas Cartwright has finally spoken out — and his words are as emotional and powerful as the storyline that shattered viewers across the world.

Cash’s death was kept under tight wraps, with producers executing one of the show’s most closely guarded secrets. When the finale aired, audiences were left stunned as the beloved police officer,

long regarded as the moral compass of Summer Bay, made the ultimate sacrifice. Social media erupted within minutes, with fans describing the moment as “unwatchable,” “heartbreaking,” and “the end of an era.”

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Cartwright admitted that saying goodbye to Cash was far more difficult than he ever imagined.

“I knew it was going to hurt people,” he said quietly. “But I don’t think any of us were prepared for just how deeply Cash’s story had connected with viewers.”

According to Cartwright, the decision to kill off Cash was not made lightly. Writers approached him months in advance, outlining a final arc that would push the character to his limits — emotionally, morally, and physically. Cash’s final moments, which saw him putting others before himself, were designed to honour everything the character stood for.

“Cash was about duty, love, and accountability,” Cartwright explained. “He believed in protecting people, even when it cost him everything. That ending felt tragic, but also true to who he was.”

Behind the scenes, filming the final scenes was described as emotionally overwhelming. Cast members reportedly struggled to hold it together, with several takes halted as emotions spilled over. Cartwright revealed that wrapping Cash’s last episode felt like losing a part of himself.

“I’d lived with him for years,” he said. “You don’t just switch that off. Walking away from the set that day was one of the hardest things I’ve done.”

Fans were particularly devastated by the impact Cash’s death had on those left behind, especially Eden. The unfinished future, the plans never realised, and the suddenness of the loss mirrored real-life grief — something Cartwright believes is why the storyline resonated so strongly.

“Loss doesn’t come neatly wrapped,” he said. “Sometimes it’s abrupt and cruel, and you don’t get closure. That’s what this story was trying to reflect.”

Despite the heartbreak, Cartwright expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to play Cash and for the outpouring of love from fans.

“The messages have been overwhelming,” he shared. “People saying Cash helped them through tough times — that’s something I’ll carry forever.”

While Cash Newman’s chapter has officially closed, Nicholas Cartwright insists the character’s legacy will live on in Summer Bay — and in the hearts of viewers.

“Cash may be gone,” he said, “but what he stood for never will be.”

As Home and Away moves into a new era, one thing is certain: the 2025 finale will be remembered as one of the most emotional, controversial, and unforgettable moments in the show’s long history.