Home and Away confirms return for Richie after extended absence

 Can he atone for his mistake?

Home and Away will see the return of Richie Brezniak this week following an extended absence. The newcomer left Summer Bay over two months ago after being fired from the police force.

Richie's exit storyline began with a series of robberies around the area, which the young cop became obsessed with solving. Enthusiastic but inexperienced, Richie was determined to prove himself within the force..

While trying to solve a case, Richie saw the robber lurking nearby and pulled out his service gun. Though his boss Sergeant David Langham attempted to deescalate the situation, Richie ignored his orders to stand down.

Things spiraled out of control when Richie accidentally shot David, leading to his termination and exit from the Bay. But, according to TV Week, Richie will be making comeback in a bid to rekindle his romance with Abigail Fowler.

In upcoming episodes, Abigail receives a huge shock when she discovers her ex-boyfriend is back in town. While she is definitely pleased to see him, she isn't sure why he's returned.

Richie explains that he hasn't come back to rejoin the force and simply wants to continue their relationship, if she'll have him. Relieved to have some support, Abigail unloads all her recent family drama - but will she take him back?

Richie also shares his shame, following the shooting incident and says he's struggling to find other work. Will the tight-knit community be able to overlook his mistake so he can move forward with his life in the Bay?

Teasing his future on the soap, Rocco Forrester-Sach, who plays Richie, previously explained that it "might not be possible" for his character to make things "right".

"When a life is on the line, even if a person pulls through, I think the fallout follows that person for a long time," he told The West Australian. "[Richie] has got a lot of ground to pave to try to prove to people that he is a good guy."