Home and Away spoilers follow for UK viewers.
Home and Away star Ada Nicodemou has spoken to Digital Spy about the fallout from Theo Poulos's upsetting past being revealed.
This week's episodes on Channel 5 see Ada's character Leah Patterson discover that her nephew is a survivor of physical abuse.
Earlier this year, Theo confided in John Palmer about how his father Dimitri was violent towards him when he was growing up.
In upcoming scenes on Channel 5, John decides to tell Leah and her partner Justin Morgan the truth about Theo's past.
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Speaking to Digital Spy about the story, Ada explained: "Leah is really angry and really sad for Theo. She's obviously very protective of Theo.
"Leah is also ashamed that someone in her family had done that. I think she feels guilty that she didn't see that behaviour and wasn't able to stop it.
"Leah feels that she should have seen some signs, and if she had done, then maybe she would have been able to protect Theo from all of that happening to him."
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On the repercussions of the story, Ada continued: "Leah will cut Dimitri out of her life – without a doubt.
"It's also an opportunity for Theo to open up to Leah and Justin and allow us to support him, and show him what a healthy family unit looks like.
"It's been a nice little shift in their relationship, and it's been really lovely watching Justin and Theo's relationship blossom and being able to have a positive male role model in his life as well."
Ada also discussed the challenges of exploring such upsetting subject matter.
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She said: "It was a really difficult storyline – obviously the subject matter is very difficult. You can't help but have that maternal instinct kick in and just feel like you want to protect Theo. It was an emotional storyline, but I just think Matt [Evans, who plays Theo] did such a great job.
"Matt has been so great. It really allows the audience to see another side to Theo and understand his prior behaviour.
"Coming up, you'll be able to watch the family blossom and just support Theo through the struggles with his dad and everything he needs to go through. Leah and Justin are closer than ever. Justin embracing her family the way that he has makes Leah love him even more."
Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.15pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.
Read more Home and Away spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Readers who are affected by the issues raised in this story are encouraged to contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 (www.nspcc.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline on (1-800-422-4453) or the American SPCC (www.americanspcc.org).
