Coming up next week on Home and Away in the UK, it’s time to say goodbye to another Summer Bay resident, as Bella Nixon departs Summer Bay for a dream job in New York.
Emmett Ellison, Bella’s former mentor, returned last week, surprising Bella (Courtney Miller), who had herself left Australia for New York City the previous year.
Bella was given the chance to work as Emmett’s assistant on a three-month assignment back in New York by Emmett, but she invited Nikau (Kawakawa Fox-Reo) to accompany her out of concern for their relationship.
As a paid lifeguard for Summer Bay Surf Club, Nik has just recently secured his own version of the American dream job. Although Nik’s boss John (Shane Withington) was disappointed to learn that Nik could have to give it all up, he pledged to back Nik in his choice.
In the end, Nik realised that his own aspirations were equally as essential as Bella’s, and he told John that he was staying in Summer Bay while Bella was away in the city organising her passport.
Bella makes a comeback this week and is eager to show Nik a list of the fun things they can do together in New York, but as Nik stops her, Bella knows what’s about to happen. Nik, please don’t say that.
In the end, Nik realised that his own aspirations were equally as essential as Bella’s, and he told John that he was staying in Summer Bay while Bella was away in the city organising her passport.
Bella is devastated to learn that Nik won’t be travelling with her, and despite Nik’s assurances that he will support her at every turn, Bella informs Emmett that she is unable to accept his proposal.
Bella is making the incorrect choice, according to Emmett, Mackenzie (Emily Weir), and Dean (Patrick O’Connor), but if she wants to alter her mind, she must act quickly because Emmett is leaving the next day.
Bella worries about their connection, but Nik reassures her that they will still communicate every day since they are strong enough to survive. Nik warns Bella that if she misses the chance to further her career, she will regret it for the rest of her life.
Bella’s friends are delighted when she and Nik come to Salt to announce that she is heading to New York after all!
With Bella convinced, Emmett decides to turn his attention to Mac. Knowing what a rough time she’s had lately, he asks her if she’d like to come along as well!
As tempted as Mac is, she knows that she can’t run away from her problems.
Instead, Mac and Ziggy (Sophie Dillman) put their all into organising a surprise farewell party for Bella.
As the evening progresses, embarrassing stories about Bella’s time in Summer Bay are shared, and Mac makes a toast.
In a private farewell on the balcony, Bella and Dean discuss the events that led to her arrival to the bay. Bella is incredibly appreciative of Dean and her brother Colby (Tim Franklin) for helping her.
Dean says how proud he is of her and knows Colby feels the same way.
Bella gives a final speech, thanking all her loved ones for showing her the true meaning of a family.
The following day, Bella and Emmett are said goodbye outside the surf club with Mac and Ziggy joining Nik. They take this chance to pose for a group shot. Dean is conspicuously missing (but that’s a whole other story).
As Bella laments that she doesn’t want to say goodbye to Nik, he says she doesn’t have to—after all, it’s only for a few months.
They share a final kiss, and Bella waves her goodbyes as Emmett drives her out of Summer Bay.
Will Nik and Bella’s relationship survive…?
Be sure to check out our full Bella departure feature, published when the episode aired in Australia, looking back on her 3½ years in Summer Bay.
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