Home and Away introduces a new character on Australian screens this week – but fans are already suspicious of her.
Show bosses have cast young actor Martha Kate Morgan in the role of Eliza, a new foster child who’s welcomed in by Roo Stewart.
Last year, Roo revealed that she wanted to start fostering and her decision was supported by her father Alf and friend Marilyn Chambers.
In upcoming scenes, Roo’s big moment finally arrives as child services contact her and ask her to take in 14-year-old Eliza, who has been separated from her family after a terrible fire at their home.
Georgie Parker, who plays Roo, told TV Week magazine: “Roo has expressed an interest in fostering emergency placement children, so she’s very enthusiastic.
“Eliza seems distant, shut down and frightened when she first arrives in the Bay. It’s hard to get a read on her so it’s hard for Roo to support her.”
Eliza arrives with a music box – the only item she managed to grab before the fire raged through her home.
Fans should watch out for an unsettling scene as Eliza gets a moment alone and opens the box, perusing a collection of disturbing contents inside.
A Home and Away trailer released on Instagram shows Eliza playing with a lighter, sparking immediate fears that she was behind the fire in her house.
Writing in the comments section, one fan posted: “I hope Eliza doesn’t burn down the Stewarts’ house.”
Another added: “She’s a trouble maker and she lit the fire herself and will do the same with Alf’s house.”
A third posted: “She’s going to set the caravan park alight can see it already.”
Meanwhile, a fourth feared that a brand new Summer Bay location may not last for long, fretting: “She better not hurt Alf’s new bait shop.”
Other viewers have praised the show for revisiting its fostering element, which was a key part of Home and Away when it launched in 1988.
The long-running soap appears to be taking on board fan feedback this year, including bringing back the iconic opening titles and theme tune on Australian screens last week.
Home and Away fans in the UK will see Eliza’s arrival in early April.
Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5, with repeat screenings at 6pm on 5STAR and first-look screenings at 6.30pm on 5STAR. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK.
In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7Plus.