Home and Away actress Sarah Roberts chose a sun-drenched Sydney beach to celebrate turning 41, enjoying a romantic day out with her new boyfriend, cinematographer Jake Iesu. The couple, who have been dating for six months, were spotted at Coogee Beach on Thursday, sharing laughs and affectionate moments in the waves.
A Mid-Week Birthday Escape
The pair looked utterly carefree as they frolicked in the surf, with Roberts beaming while cuddling her new beau. Following their swim, they enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the sand, hand-in-hand, clearly thrilled in each other's company. For her beach outing, the brunette star showcased her toned figure in a vibrant tropical-print bikini, her dark hair flowing freely. Iesu complemented her look with a pair of colourful Budgie Smuggler swim trunks, which highlighted his athletic, gym-honed physique.
Stepping into a New Chapter
This public appearance marks a significant new chapter for Roberts. It is the first time she has been seen with a partner since her divorce from former husband and Home and Away co-star James Stewart in 2023. The couple were first linked in June, when they were spotted together in Sydney on Mother's Day. Roberts has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of her marriage breakdown, telling Stellar magazine in April 2024, "I've been really afraid of talking about this... But I just want to say that I am divorced."
She reflected on the end of her marriage, which began with a fairy-tale wedding in Ireland in 2019 after meeting on the Home and Away set in 2017. "Sometimes people just grow apart, and that's OK," she said. While Stewart has since moved on with another co-star, Ada Nicodemou, Roberts is now focused on her own path to happiness.
Finding Love and Self-Love
Her new partner, Jake Iesu, works as a Steadicam operator and occasional pilot, and is also a creative, having previously showcased his artwork at a Sydney exhibition. Roberts has expressed deep gratitude for his presence in her life. "I feel grateful that I found him, because he's allowed me to grow in beautiful and unexpected ways," she recently shared.
However, the actress emphasised that her journey has been about more than just a new romance. "But if I didn't have that, I would still be OK. Because I finally found myself," she stated. Roberts added that she has overcome feelings of shame and has developed a newfound resilience. "I have beaten myself up for a long time... But I've finally found a love for myself that I didn't have – and that's the most important relationship of all."
After their beach birthday celebrations, the couple collected their belongings, wrapped up in towels and hats, and departed hand-in-hand, painting a picture of a relaxed and happy new beginning for the actress.
