Sarah Roberts is back in the spotlight—and not just for her acting career. The Home and Away star has confirmed she’s dating cinematographer Jake Lesu, marking her first public romance since her split from ex-husband James Stewart.
According to Woman’s Day Australia, Roberts, 40, was seen smiling and relaxed while attending a Sydney art show on June 13 with Lesu. Days earlier, the couple appeared at the Sydney Film Festival together, sparking speculation about their relationship status. Now, the actress is finally ready to open up.
Finding herself after the breakup
More than a year after confirming the end of her marriage to Stewart, Roberts says she’s in a far healthier space—mentally and emotionally. She explained that she used to blame herself for staying in something that wasn’t healthy. The experience, though painful, eventually forced her to rediscover her own self-worth.
Roberts revealed that she now feels a deep love for herself, something she lacked during and after the marriage. While she admits it might sound cliché, she says the inner healing has been the most powerful part of her journey.
She credited Lesu for allowing her to grow in ways she didn’t expect. At the same time, Roberts emphasized that even without a partner, she would be okay, because the most important relationship she’s built is with herself.
James Stewart’s new chapter with Ada Nicodemou
While Roberts has been quietly embracing her new life, her ex-husband has also moved on. Stewart, who starred alongside Roberts on Home and Away, went public last year with co-star Ada Nicodemou. The two, who have known each other for decades and portray a married couple on-screen, are now reportedly building a blended family.
Nicodemou recently shared that she had no romantic feelings for Stewart for a very long time and was shocked when those feelings began to shift. Stewart’s daughter Scout and Nicodemou’s son Johnas are part of the new family dynamic that has since emerged.
Roberts and Stewart were married in 2019 in a ceremony held in Ireland. Their split, confirmed by Roberts in April last year, had been rumored for months before she made the news official.
A new era begins
For Roberts, her new relationship with Lesu comes with a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in years. Her openness about personal struggles and emotional growth has struck a chord with fans, especially those who followed her love story with Stewart closely.
But while the public watches Roberts embrace a new beginning, questions linger about whether her former co-stars were already growing closer before her marriage ended.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.