threatens to unravel Roo Stewart’s dreams of adopting her foster child, Cohen Luther. What was once thought to be a smooth path to adoption is now overshadowed by the arrival of a man who claims to be Cohen’s father, sending shockwaves through Summer Bay.
Cohen’s Journey to Summer Bay
Cohen (Nathan Murray) first arrived in Summer Bay in mid-May after his mother, Samantha (Heidi May), was arrested for a series of crimes. When Samantha was apprehended by local police for the stolen mobile phones she had in her car, Cohen was left alone, his future uncertain. Sergeant David Langham (Jeremy Lindsay Taylor) was tasked with finding temporary housing for the troubled boy, and that’s when Cohen’s life in Summer Bay began.
Roo (Georgie Parker) had just returned to the Bay after a difficult experience with her last foster child, Eliza (Martha Kate Morgan). However, when Cohen arrived, Roo found herself caring for the troubled teen, and she quickly formed a bond with him. She even considered the possibility of adopting him, and with his consent, began the application process.
But things weren’t as straightforward as they seemed. After extensive searches for other family members, it was revealed that Cohen’s grandmother had passed away years ago, and his mother had relinquished her parental rights. This meant that Cohen had no known family left, and he seemed destined to stay in the Stewart household for the long haul. However, the arrival of a new character threatens to shatter this sense of stability.
Enter Adrian: The Potential Father
In an unexpected twist, a man named Adrian Purcell (played by Tom Matthews) arrives in Summer Bay, claiming to be Cohen’s father. His sudden appearance sends Roo into a panic, as she has already begun the adoption process. While Cohen has formed a close bond with Roo and her family, Adrian’s arrival throws everything into question.
The promo for this storyline reveals that Adrian approaches the Yabbie Creek police station to speak with Sergeant Langham, confirming his intention to get involved in Cohen’s life. “Is there a chance you could be his father?” Langham asks him during their interview. This revelation rattles Roo, who, although not directly involved with Adrian yet, is clearly unsettled by the idea that Cohen’s father might have a claim on him.
As the tension builds, Roo watches through the window as Adrian is introduced to Cohen. In a dramatic scene in Summer Bay, Adrian approaches Cohen in the park, declaring, “I think I’m your dad!” This announcement is too much for Roo, who immediately confronts Adrian, warning him not to speak to Cohen about such matters.
Cohen, in turn, responds with heartbreak: “I don’t have a dad.” The situation becomes even more intense when Roo calls for help, and Cash (played by Nicholas Cartwright) rushes over to defuse the altercation. But what happens next? Will Adrian fight for a place in Cohen’s life, or will Roo be able to protect her foster son from the uncertainty of a father he may not know?
What Does This Mean for Roo’s Adoption Plans?
Roo’s dream of adopting Cohen is on the line. She’s already formed a strong attachment to him and sees him as part of her family. But Adrian’s arrival raises significant questions: Should Cohen remain with Roo, who has cared for him like her own, or will Adrian step in and claim the role of father, potentially taking Cohen away from his new home?
The drama surrounding Cohen’s parentage is bound to keep fans on the edge of their seats. With the arrival of a biological parent who is eager to be involved, Roo may be forced to confront tough decisions about what’s best for Cohen’s future. Will she have to let go of her dreams of motherhood, or will Cohen choose to stay with her despite the appearance of his biological father?
The Fallout and Family Dynamics
While Roo is faced with the emotional turmoil of protecting Cohen, the arrival of Adrian will also impact others in the community. Marilyn (Emily Symons) and Alf (Ray Meagher) have supported Roo throughout her fostering journey, but now they will find themselves caught in the middle of this new conflict. How will they react to the sudden appearance of Cohen’s father? Will they stand by Roo, or will they support Cohen’s right to connect with his biological father?
As this storyline unfolds, fans of Home and Away can expect even more heartache and uncertainty for Cohen as he faces the possibility of losing the family he has come to rely on. Will Roo find a way to secure her place as Cohen’s mother, or will this new twist jeopardize everything she has worked for?
Tune in next week to Home and Away for more shocking twists, emotional moments, and family drama. The arrival of Adrian marks a turning point in Cohen’s story—one that will undoubtedly impact not only his future but also the futures of those who love him in Summer Bay.