Home and Away star Ray Meagher is leaving Summer Bay and we are devastated

UPDATE: We've since had word from TVNZ officials that Ray Meagher is only taking a break from Home & Away, not leaving permanently. 

Home and Away will never be the same again ...

Australian acting legend Ray Meagher - who brought the one and only Alf Steward to life - will soon be written off, and potentially killed of the TV soap.

After 30 years in Summer Bay, Ray is reportedly returning to the stage for the role in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert.

The 74-year-old has told Australia's New Idea magazine: "It's a privilege to have a job for 30 years and really enjoy it for that time."

He's excited to continue his theatre role, saying: "I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d ever do a big musical like Priscilla, because singing and dancing are not my forte, but I just love it! It’s fantastic entertainment."

Photo / Getty

His Home and Away character Alf Stewart was the sole remaining original cast member, appearing in the 1988 pilot episode.

We'll miss you Alf!