Home and Away star speaks out after shocking death on the show

Home and Away fans were left devastated last Monday night when fan-favourite character Felicity Newman, played by Jacqui Purvis, collapsed in shock scenes.

After leaving fans in tears following her character’s death on the soap, the actress, 33, has now broken her silence on her heartbreaking final episodes.

The Aussie star, who is looking to make it big in Hollywood, posted to Instagram on Tuesday a touching tribute to her fans and the show which made her famous. 

‘What a life! Thank you to @homeandaway for an incredible three years. Had an absolute blast,’ she wrote alongside a montage of her behind-the-scenes antics.

‘This is just a snippet of the love I have for the cast and crew, a lot of people are missing.’

Jacqui went on to pay special thanks also to her co-star and on screen romantic interest Ethan Browne, who portrayed Felicity’s ex-husband Tane Parata.  

‘There’s too many people to thank but most importantly to [Ethan] for helping create a beautiful love story,’ Jacqui wrote.

‘And to the fans for your undying support, thank you for allowing Flick into your homes. I hope she brought you as much joy as she did me.’

The Home and Away account commented beneath the emotional video and message, ‘We will miss you,’ alongside a series of red love hearts. 

Ethan also responded, writing: ‘What a journey indeed! You brought “Tanicity” to life, and injected a thunderous energy to the bay! 

‘Thank you for gracing us all with it. You are going to be sorely missed, my friend.’

Jacqui’s final scenes aired on Monday when Felicity’s brother Cash (Nicholas Cartwright) made the heartbreaking decision to switch off her life support.  

Home and Away viewers were shocked last week when Jacqui’s character Felicity, nicknamed Flick, suddenly collapsed in last Monday’s episode. 

In the clip which had fans in tears, Felicity suddenly fell to the ground when her vision went blurry during an emotional conversation with ex husband Tane. 

The character was then rushed to hospital in critical condition with the following episodes showing a rush to save her life as she suffered a brain aneurysm. 

However, promos at the time confirmed Felicity would not survive her ensuing brain damage and actress Jacqui will move on from Summer Bay.

‘One of the best actresses Home and Away has ever had,’ one Instagram user said of Jacqui who has been on the Channel Seven soap drama for three years.

‘She honestly deserves to be in blockbusters. So sad to see Flick go. What an incredible character!’

‘This is so going to be gut wrenching to watch,’ another viewer wrote, while someone else added: ‘Haven’t stopped crying, this show will be empty without Flick.’

One said: ‘Flick was awesome! Only wished her and Tane stayed together. Also thought her exit would be a bit more explosive.’

‘Shouldn’t have killed her off,’ yet another fan said, while one cried: ‘Nooo absolutely loved watch
ing Flick, her energy & sparkle.’

‘Jacqui is one very talented amazing actress she has always made you [feel like] part of the scene. We will miss her. All the best to her in the future,’ a viewer wrote.

One user agreed, adding: ‘Ah no a great character home [sic]. She has developed so much from day one.’

Australian actress Jacqui is known for her roles in Home and Away, Neighbours, A Lion Returns, and Undertow, but wishes to make it big in Hollywood.

The soap star told Yahoo Lifestyle on Tuesday: ‘I’ve had an incredible time on the show. Some of the best years of my life. 

‘However, I knew I wanted an international career, so, I had to make the decision to leave and take the plunge.

‘I owe so much to the show, [and] because of it, I feel confident and ready to take on the international stage.’

Jacqui intends to jet off to Hollywood soon in pursuit of worldwide fame, following in the footsteps of ex-soap stars Chris Hemsworth, Isla Fisher and Samara Weaving.