Home and Away: Nikau makes a big decision over Bella

Episode 7820

UK airdate: Friday 29 July 2022 at 13:15 on Channel 5 and 18:00 on 5STAR

Australian airdate: Thursday 16 June 2022 at 19:00 on Channel 7

John pushes a reluctant Nikau to embrace his hero status by enjoying his lunch date with Naomi. Nikau is quick to insist that it's not a date but a civic duty, as he does have a girlfriend in New York. John is pushing Nikau to accept the praise, so he won't leave for New York, leaving John without his star lifeguard.

Naomi gets the closure she needs about the near-drowning of her sister from Nikau, who surprisingly enjoys himself at lunch. Easing into the conversation, Nikau outlines his dilemma between lifeguarding and following Bella to New York. Naomi reminds him that Bella and John want the best for Nikau, so he should do what's best for him.

Nikau finally decides – Summer Bay needs its best lifeguard. Nikau still misses Bella, but he can survive without her a little longer. At peace with himself, Nikau calls Bella to tell her all about his heroic rescue and to share her success in New York.

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Meanwhile, Mackenzie commits herself to enjoying her last day of freedom before sentencing. John gets a disturbing call from the police sergeant, which sends him into a rage at Mackenzie. He demands to know why she endangered the safety and reputation of the surf club by hosting illegal poker nights.

Mackenzie is genuinely apologetic and self-reflective, but it's not enough for John, who will be skewered by the surf club committee. Eventually taking pity, John wishes Mackenzie luck for her sentencing tomorrow.

Unable to sleep on the eve of the sentencing, Mackenzie drives herself to Salt in the middle of the night. Looking at the empty restaurant, she's reminded of everything she's sacrificed for it.

Dean and Ziggy wake up on the morning of Mac's sentencing to discover she has gone. Fearing she's done a runner, they are halfway out the door when John calls with news – Mac is at Salt. Finding Mac slumped drunk and passed out in the restaurant sends Dean into a protective panic. Ziggy and John look on in horror as Mac descends into a tearful mess, begging Dean not to make her go to court.