Home and Away’s Ray Meagher (Alf Stewart) is leaving Summer Bay!

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.

The bonified Home Away character that's known as an Australian legend, will soon be written/killed off the TV soap.

Ray Meagher has packed in his job playing Alf Stewart after 30 years to return 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."

RELATED: Home and Away stars reveal what goes on behind-the-scenes

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."

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!