Summer Bay will never be the same! Home and Away set for MAJOR shake-up as Channel Seven hires new faces – and a fan favourite is given the boot

Home and Away is gearing up for a major shakeup as new faces join the cast and fan favorites make unexpected appearances.

With filming taking place about five to six months in advance, eagle-eyed viewers are getting a juicy sneak peek into the upcoming drama.

Home and away news page Back to the bay has shared insights into the future of the iconic soap.

The site reports that newcomers have been spotted on set in recent months, while a beloved character has been noticeably absent, sparking rumors of a possible departure.

Home and Away recently announced that a new bad boy, played by Joshua Orpin, is heading to the Bay.

Home and Away recently announced that a new bad boy is heading to the Bay. Pictured: actor Joshua Orpin

The actor told The Daily telegram in March that fans can expect his arrival to ruffle some feathers in the coastal community.

‘I can say he’s a bit of a bad boy who comes on the show and causes some trouble among the locals of Summer Bay… he’s apparently one thing on the surface but he’s got a great depth that I have really enjoyed exploring,” he revealed.

Orpin has a number of credits to his name, including Preacher, Love Me, Upright and the American superhero series Titans.

Elsewhere, Hailey Pinto is expected to take on the role of Abigail Fowler, the sister of Eden Fowler (Stephanie Panozzo) and Levi Fowler (Tristan Gorey).

Eagle-eyed fans spotted Hailey filming what appeared to be an engagement party for Eden and Cash Newman (Nicholas Cartwright).

The fan page estimates that Pinto’s character will hit screens in the next three months.

Hailey Pinto (pictured) is expected to take on the role of Abigail Fowler

Kiwi actor Aaron Jeffery, 53, (pictured) recently added the role of James ‘Jimmy’ Fowler in Home and Away to his CV

Back to the Bay has reported that a new mysterious bad boy is heading to the Bay

Meanwhile, Kiwi actor Aaron Jeffery, 53, will join the show as James ‘Jimmy’ Fowler, Eden, Levi and Abigail’s dad.

Aaron has appeared in McLeod’s Daughters, Wentworth and Water Rats and recently starred alongside Oscar nominee Toni Collette in the Netflix drama Pieces of Her.

While fans can expect many new faces, one beloved character is in danger.

Back to the Bay reports Jacqui Purvis, who played Felicity Newman for the past three years, was last seen on location in March.

“I know someone went to Palm Beach today and was told she’s out of state and not sure if she’ll be back, which indicates she’s leaving the show (or) has left the show and is no longer filming,” wrote a fan on the site.

No official confirmation has been made.

While fans can expect many new faces, one beloved character is in danger. Back to the Bay reports that Jacqui Purvis, who played Felicity Newman for the past three years, was last seen on location in March