Since they met, Theo has been enamoured by Valerie. The newcomer is spirited, independent and wild – all the things he longs to be.

But what does he, or anyone, really know about her?Valerie gives Theo something to give him a lift… (Channel Seven)
“Before the Bay, Valerie had spent 8 months in a mental health clinic after a car accident resulted in her brother’s death,” Courtney tells TV WEEK.

“She is pretty deep down a road of trauma and self-loathing when she meets Leah in the clinic. Valerie decides that the best thing for her to do, is be around her newfound friend… and so she heads to Summer Bay.”

Gaining confidence from Valerie’s candour, Theo reveals he’s also struggling in his own way. He is failing his TAFE course and has lost his passion for music.

Valerie agrees to accompany him to a gig at Salt and offers him something to “help” ease his mind. Theo watches in disbelief as Valerie hands over a pill. He hesitates before eventually swallowing it.

Theo falls into bad habits with Valerie. (Channel Seven)
That night at Salt, Theo rides the party drug with Valerie by his side.

He feels great and the pair share a passionate kiss. But ex-girlfriend Kirby (Angelina Thomson) clocks his strange behaviour and warns him to be careful.

“There’s definitely an element of intrigue and mystery from [Kirby and others] especially when things start to get a little friendly with her and Theo,” Courtney says.

The following morning, however, Theo wakes with a new lease on life. He wants more and wants Valerie to get it for him.

Will he make a horrible mistake?

The pill works a charm at his Salt gig. (Channel Seven)