‘Home and Away’ latest news: Scott Lee is set to exit Aussie soap next year

“Home and Away” is about to lose one more character, when troubled youngster Hunter King bids goodbye to Summer Bay next year.

Scott Lee, who plays Hunter, was announced to leave “Home and Away” later in 2017, according to Digital Spy. The 23-year-old actor joined the long-running Australian soap last year as Zac MacGuire’s ( Charlie Clausen) estranged son with his former girlfriend Charlotte King (Erika Heynatz).

Hunter’s relationships with other Bay residents were strained in the beginning, to say the least. For one, things were initially tense between him and Zac’s new wife, Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), since he wanted Zac all to himself. Things worked out eventually and they were able to live peacefully under one roof.

Romantically, Hunter became involved with Olivia Fraser Richards (Raechelle Banno). While the couple’s love for each other is intense, their relationship had been quite a rollercoaster full of explosive fights and drama. Before “Home and Away” went into a year-end break, Hunter and Olivia broke up for good.

Perhaps Hunter and Olivia’s breakup would be the springboard that will lead to his decision to leave Summer Bay. For now, “Home and Away” is keeping mum about the details of his exit.

According to Digital Spy, which has cited TV Week, Scott would be exploring a career in Hollywood. “I'm excited. The time I've had has gone so quickly and I've learnt a lot as an actor,” he was quoted as saying. “Halfway through the year, I'm going to head over to America to suss it out. It'll prepare me for what's to come. With the rise of Netflix, acting work is becoming more obtainable. So, it's a good move for me to go over there.”

Find out what happens next on “Home and Away,” which returns to Seven Network on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. In the UK, “Home and Away” airs during weekdays on Channel 5.