BTTB is pleased to be able to bring you exclusive news on 'Home and Away's 5000th Episode, to air in early 2010.

It has been previously speculated that Episode 5000 might line up with the 2009 season finale, however we have learnt that this will not be the case. The 2009 season finale, to air on Friday 27th November, will be Episode 4995, with Episode 5000 being aired in the first week of the show's 2010 season.

Seven's Script Executive Bevan Lee, who returned to the Script Producer seat in 2008 to write out Sally Fletcher, was originally drafted in to write the special episode, however we now understand that his commitment to hit show 'Packed to the Rafters' means that this will no longer be possible.

Despite this, the season opener promises to be an exciting, story packed week containing the full reveal of the year long mystery storyline and the wrapping up of all the 2009 cliffhangers.

With the recent 21st year celebrations, and several former cast members returning in the run up to Sally's farewell, Episode 5000 will not be focusing on nostalgia. It will rather be a good strong episode of the show, instead of whistles and bangs.

Our sources state that with resolving the 2009 stories and preparing the stage for the new 2010 stories, any guest appearances from former cast members would not be able to receive the focus they deserve, and would simply come in the form of a 'token appearance' which would not satisfy the fans.

However the fans should not be down-heartened. Word is reaching us that there will be exciting news coming about the return of former cast members later in 2010, that will truly make up for any lack of them in Episode 5000.

Stay tuned!