“I cannot explain in words how this made me feel.”
Home and Away spoilers follow for Australian-paced episodes, which some UK viewers may prefer to avoid.
Home and Away viewers have praised a powerful scene involving Tane Parata in the Australian soap’s tragic death storyline airing this week.
Felicity Newman passed away after falling unconscious at a party, and her loved ones learned that she suffered a brain aneurysm and was essentially brain dead, so they made the tough decision to turn off her life support.
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Following her death, Tane processed his grief by performing the haka, the traditional Māori dance associated with various events, including funerals. He let his feelings flow through his body, with every stomp of his feet and pounding of his chest channelling his messy emotions.
And fans were very moved by it, praising both the soap’s further inclusion of Māori culture and actor Ethan Browne’s performance. The official Home and Away Instagram account shared the scene, and viewers took the chance to comment on how much they loved it.
“I cannot explain in words how this made me feel,” one fan said. “Sad, appreciative and just overall emotional. Thankyou for putting your heart and sole [sic] on the big screen to deliver an incredible tradition and an insight into the Māori culture. Truely [sic] heart moving.”
“Ohh jesus this is heartbreaking. Well played [Ethan Browne] you really should be proud of this work,” commented another, while a third said: “Absolutely love this, give me more of it!”
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One person admitted that they hadn’t watched the soap, but were hugely impressed upon coming across the video, writing: “WOAH, the emotion was so authentic and real.”
“You make us New Zealand’s [sic] proud! This was so beautifully done!” said another fan, who also tagged the actor, telling him to “keep up the awesome work”.
In her exit post, Felicity actor Jacqui Purvis thanked Browne for “helping create a beautiful love story”, and he responded, praising her “thunderous energy”.
Meanwhile, it’s been confirmed that Felicity’s foster father Gary will be making a guest appearance in the upcoming funeral episode.
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.
