…Researched and contributed by Judah Olanisebee.
Home and Away actress Courtney Miller has returned to the Australian soap as Bella Nixon for a brief stint.
The 27-year-old actress quit the role of Bella in 2022 after four years, with the character bidding farewell to Summer Bay after being offered a job opportunity in New York.
However, Courtney has now reprised the role during Tuesday’s episode (April 18) as part of a special storyline. Courtney played Bella from 2018 until 2022.
During the episode, Dean Thompson (Paddy O’Connor) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman) were surprised when Bella rocked up on their doorstep, revealing she had finished her exhibition and wanted to see baby Izzy before leaving again.
But the reunion fans were desperate to see was Bella and Nikau Parata (Kawakawa Fox-Reo), however, things got off to an awkward start between the former couple.
In an interview with Stuff, Courtney explained why she originally left the role of Bella and confirmed it was her decision to leave.
She said, “It was my decision to go. I had definitely served out my acting contract.
In fact, I actually stayed for another three months. I happily left – but with many, many tears.”
After quitting Home and Away, Courtney moved to Melbourne to study acting.
She admitted that while people thought the move was “crazy,” it was the “best decision” she could’ve made.
“It was the biggest challenge for me and it was an ego reset.
I wanted to do the acting class to prove to myself that I was there for the long haul and not for the quick fame,” she said.
Ironically, Courtney’s first gig out of acting school was back at Home and Away, where she returned briefly for a storyline which culminates next week.
Home and Away airs 1:45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6:30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.
Overall, the article provides an update on the return of Home and Away actress Courtney Miller to the show as Bella Nixon.
The actress quit the role in 2022 after four years, but returned as part of a special storyline.
The article also touches on her previous decision to leave and her move to Melbourne to study acting, and her return to the show briefly after completing her studies.
The article concludes with information on when the show airs and where it can be streamed.