Home and Away returns to UK screens with a bang next week, as Harper Matheson is rocked by news of a shocking death. Cash Newman is forced to break the tragic news to Harper, crushing her dreams of a happier future with both of her parents back in her life.

Before the Summer Bay soap went on its Christmas break earlier this month, Harper was toying with the idea of reaching out to her estranged mother and father. She was driven by concern for her baby son Archie, wondering whether he’d benefit from having grandparents in his life.

Archie’s father Tane Parata was concerned by Harper’s plans, aware that her mum and dad have struggled with drug and alcohol addictions over the years. Harper’s sister Dana was also unimpressed, although this didn’t deter Harper from asking Cash to look her parents up on the police database, wanting some updates on their lives.

In follow-up scenes on Friday 2 January, Harper focuses on getting back on better terms with Dana after some tense conversations over their parents. However, the sisterly bonding is interrupted when Harper receives a call from Cash…

“Cash has gone ahead and looked up Harper and Dana’s parents, even though he could face big trouble for misusing police resources like this,” our Home and Away source explains.

“Harper’s stunned when Cash delivers some life-changing news: her father actually passed away four years ago from a drug overdose. But there’s still hope for Harper amid the tragedy, as her mum is still alive.”

Optimistic Harper immediately speculates that her dad’s death could have been a wake-up call for her mum. She dares to hope that her mother reassessed her life afterwards and started to turn things around.

Cash kindly hands over the details of her mum’s last known whereabouts, although Harper is still unsure whether to reach out or not.

Knowing what she must do, Harper meets with Dana and explains that their dad has died. Dana is cold in response, reiterating that she has no love for either of their parents. She then turns her attentions to Cash, guessing that he helped Harper to uncover the tragedy.

“Dana confronts Cash for interfering in the Matheson sisters’ lives,” our insider continues. “Cash defends himself, since he was only following Harper’s wishes. He suggests that Dana should be focusing more squarely on Harper and why she can’t let this go…”

Dana confronts Harper over her actions but is disappointed when her sister continues to protest that people can change. She argues otherwise: in her eyes, monsters never change.

This new episode marks the beginning of Home and Away‘s new era on UK screens, with the Channel 5 lunchtime screening now dropped. From now on, episodes will premiere at 6am on 5’s streaming service and air at 6.30pm on 5STAR that evening.