Summer Bay favourite Tori (Penny McNamee) faces every mother’s worst nightmare this week when her car is stolen with baby Grace in the back seat!
WATCH: Sam Frost says future Home and Away is uncertain amid crisis
Although the first-time mum and local medico has already experienced her share of trials and tribulations during her time in the small seaside town, nothing she previously endured can compare to the anguish she suffers as she prays for Grace’s safe return.
The high drama begins to unfold when Tori is driving past the bus stop just as John (Shane Withington), who is recovering from a recent stroke, takes an unexpected tumble in the street.
“Tori is driving along when she sees John fall out of his wheelchair,” says Penny.
Without hesitation, the doctor pulls over and jumps out to assist the long-time resident. However, the last thing Tori is expecting is for troubled teen Nikau (Kawakawa Fox-Reo) – who is on the run, not only from his family but also the police – to seize the moment as he races up to the scene on foot.
Jumping behind the wheel of Tori’s car, Nikau speeds off, oblivious to the fact that little Grace is in the back seat. Meanwhile, Tori’s blood runs cold as reality hits – her baby has been abducted.
“Tori screams and runs after the car,” reveals Penny.
“It’s the most horrible feeling. Tori feels completely helpless. She feels awful that she left Grace in the car, even for a minute, and suffers a lot of guilt over it.”
As for Penny, a real-life mother of two, this is certainly a storyline she won’t forget in a hurry.
“Filming these scenes where Grace was in the car and Nikau drove off with her were horrible,” she says.
“It wasn’t anything sinister and was just unlucky timing – but it really is every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Will Grace be returned unharmed to a distraught Tori? Don’t miss one of the most dramatic weeks in the history of Home and Away!
For more, pick up the latest issue of New Idea. Out now!
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