Home and Away star James Stewart is dramatically rescued as he films an intense drowning scene

He has had some of the most dramatic scenes on Home and Away since appearing on the show for the last four years. 

But James Stewart’s character almost loses his life in an upcoming episode of the show. 

The actor was pictured filming intense drowning scenes for the popular soap on Friday. 

On set: Home and Away’s James Stewart was pictured filming intense scenes for the popular soap on Friday

With cameras rolling, the actor hit the waves for a carefree surf session, which quickly turned into a disaster.

The 44-year-old, who was in character as Justin Morgan, struggled to keep afloat before being dramatically rescued  

After having stripped down to his shorts, James’s nail-biting scene began with him showing off his skills on the surfboard. 

With cameras rolling: The actor hit the waves for a carefree surf session which quickly turned into a disaster

With cameras rolling: The actor hit the waves for a carefree surf session which quickly turned into a disaster

Filming: The 44-year-old, who was still in character as Justin Morgan, struggled to keep afloat before being dramatically rescued

Filming: The 44-year-old, who was still in character as Justin Morgan, struggled to keep afloat before being dramatically rescued

Hitting the waves: After having stripped down to his shorts, James's nail-biting scene began with him showing off his skills on the surfboard

Hitting the waves: After having stripped down to his shorts, James's nail-biting scene began with him showing off his skills on the surfboard

Hitting the waves: After having stripped down to his shorts, James’s nail-biting scene began with him showing off his skills on the surfboard

Dramatic: A dedicated cameraman was seen in the water trying to capture James' every move

Dramatic: A dedicated cameraman was seen in the water trying to capture James’ every move

A dedicated cameraman was seen in the water trying to capture James’ every move as he lost his footing and fell into the water.

James’ character proved to be in full panic mode as his head sank underwater with only his flailing arm managing to capture the attention of those onshore.

It wasn’t long before a team of rescuers arrived on a speedboat and pulled him to safety.

Tense scenes: James suddenly lost his footing and fell into the water

Tense scenes: James suddenly lost his footing and fell into the water

Help! James' character proved to be in full panic mode as his head sank underwater

Help! James' character proved to be in full panic mode as his head sank underwater

Help! James’ character proved to be in full panic mode as his head sank underwater

All is good: It wasn't long before a team of rescuers arrived on a speedboat and pulled him to safety

All is good: It wasn’t long before a team of rescuers arrived on a speedboat and pulled him to safety

Struggles: It has been a tough year for James, who explained last month that the coronavirus pandemic played havoc on his waist line, with his weight ballooning to 104 kilos

Struggles: It has been a tough year for James, who explained last month that the coronavirus pandemic played havoc on his waist line, with his weight ballooning to 104 kilos

The star told The Daily Telegraph: 'To be honest, I went from 95kg to 104kg within the first six weeks of iso'

The star told The Daily Telegraph: ‘To be honest, I went from 95kg to 104kg within the first six weeks of iso’

It has been a tough year for James, who explained last month that the coronavirus pandemic played havoc on his waist line, with his weight ballooning to 104 kilos.

The star told The Daily Telegraph: ‘To be honest, I went from 95kg to 104kg within the first six weeks of iso.’

‘My favourite snacks were chicken burgers and kebabs. I would find comfort in a bowl of ice-cream every day, and a glass or two of wine every other day.’

He explained: 'My favourite snacks were chicken burgers and kebabs. I would find comfort in a bowl of ice-cream every day, and a glass or two of wine every other day'

He explained: ‘My favourite snacks were chicken burgers and kebabs. I would find comfort in a bowl of ice-cream every day, and a glass or two of wine every other day’

Overhaul: The star says that he eventually decided enough is enough when his lifestyle began affecting his family

Overhaul: The star says that he eventually decided enough is enough when his lifestyle began affecting his family

James added: 'Also, my daughter Scout was starting to follow me down the path of bad eating habits and not doing a lot of exercise'

James added: ‘Also, my daughter Scout was starting to follow me down the path of bad eating habits and not doing a lot of exercise’

Back on track: To get back in shape, James made a list of foods he can and cannot eat, based on advice from a nutritionist and made sure to exercise once a day

Back on track: To get back in shape, James made a list of foods he can and cannot eat, based on advice from a nutritionist and made sure to exercise once a day

The star says that he eventually decided enough is enough when his lifestyle began affecting his family.

‘My turning point was when my wife, Sarah, could tell I was waking up heavier and without my usual zest for life,’ he told the paper.

‘And also, my daughter Scout was starting to follow me down the path of bad eating habits and not doing a lot of exercise,’ he added.

There she is! Sam Frost was also seen on set ready for a day of filming

There she is! Sam Frost was also seen on set ready for a day of filming 

Summer chic: The former reality star looked sensational in a cropped white top and a colourful polka dot skirt

Summer chic: The former reality star looked sensational in a cropped white top and a colourful polka dot skirt

Summer chic: The former reality star looked sensational in a cropped white top and a colourful polka dot skirt 

Starry-eyed: Sam accessorised with a pair of drop silver earrings which framed her stunning features

Starry-eyed: Sam accessorised with a pair of drop silver earrings which framed her stunning features  

Primped and preened: She was seen getting her make-up applied on set

Primped and preened: She was seen getting her make-up applied on set 

Looking good: Penny McNamee stood out from the sea of actors in her bright red shirt

Looking good: Penny McNamee stood out from the sea of actors in her bright red shirt 

In action: She was pictured filming an intense scene with co-star Ditch Davey

In action: She was pictured filming an intense scene with co-star Ditch Davey

Kissing: The tense exchange appeared to end well as the pair locked lips

Kissing: The tense exchange appeared to end well as the pair locked lips 

To get back in shape, James made a list of foods he can and cannot eat, based on advice from a nutritionist and made sure to exercise once a day.

He also felt motivated by his family, reminding himself he was doing it for them – but stressed that a cheat day was necessary and not all the snacks have to go. 

James’ wife is fellow Home and Away star Sarah Roberts, 35.

Spotted: Sarah Roberts wore a yellow ribbed crop top and black shorts as she made her way across the beach

Spotted: Sarah Roberts wore a yellow ribbed crop top and black shorts as she made her way across the beach 

Having a chat: Sarah Roberts, Sam and Maddy Jevic enjoyed a chat on the beach

Having a chat: Sarah Roberts, Sam and Maddy Jevic enjoyed a chat on the beach