Home and Away: David Langham walks out of counselling after Richie rage erupts

Home and Away UK viewers will see David Langham walk out of counselling after a difficult session with Jared forces him to confront his anger over Richie and the memories tied to his late wife. David begins the appointment cautiously, but the discussion soon reaches emotions he is not ready to face.

David takes in Jared’s office and studies the qualifications on display. Jared is amused that his new client already appears to be carrying out a background check, giving the meeting a slightly lighter beginning.

That guarded approach fits David. He is used to assessing other people, asking questions and remaining in control. Sitting in a room where somebody else is examining his thoughts places him in a very different position.

Jared begins by asking about his work. David explains what inspired him to join the police force and speaks about wanting to create a world where his daughters can feel safe.

His answer reveals how strongly his identity is built around protecting Jo and Lacey. Even while discussing his own recovery, David continues to frame everything through what he wants for them.

The shooting returns without warning

As the conversation continues, David begins to play with his wedding ring. The movement becomes more noticeable when he is hit by flashbacks of the shooting.

Jared recognises that David is struggling and suggests they continue the session while walking. The change of setting gives David space, but it does not remove the pressure of what they are discussing.

During the walk, Jo calls. She is already suspicious because David told her he was attending a medical appointment, and his explanation does not match what she knows about his treatment.

David continues the lie by mentioning scans. He also refuses her offer of a ride home, knowing that accepting would expose where he really is.

The call adds another layer of strain. David is trying to speak honestly in counselling while simultaneously hiding the session from his daughters.

Jared asks David about Richie

When the appointment resumes, Jared asks David to describe how he feels about being shot.

The question brings Richie directly into the conversation. David becomes increasingly angry as he recalls giving him repeated opportunities and feels betrayed by how events unfolded.

His frustration grows until he has to apologise for losing control. The anger is clearly not something he has processed, despite his attempts to present himself as composed.

For David, Richie is not simply the person connected to the shooting. He is someone David believed he had tried to help, which makes the sense of betrayal more personal.

Jared does not dismiss the anger, but he continues looking at what lies underneath it. David’s repeated handling of his wedding ring becomes another important clue.

David’s wedding ring becomes a flashpoint

Jared questions whether the ring is keeping David anchored to the past. It is a sensitive observation because the ring represents far more than a habit.

David remains deeply connected to his late wife, and the ring appears to offer comfort as well as a reminder of the life he lost. Suggesting it may be holding him back strikes at something he is not prepared to examine.

The comment causes David to become defensive. He fires up, ends the session and leaves after making it clear that the appointment is over.

His exit does not mean Jared was necessarily wrong, but it shows how difficult the subject remains. David was able to discuss the shooting only until the conversation reached the connection between his grief and the way he is living now.

David’s lie begins falling apart

While David is with Jared, Jo and Lacey are already questioning his story.

Jo shows Lacey the note he left about attending a medical checkup. She keeps track of his appointments and knows there is no reason for him to go to the hospital unless something has changed.

Their concern grows when they encounter Amelia, followed by Leah and Justin. All three know David is attending counselling, but their attempts to protect his privacy only make Jo and Lacey more suspicious.

The situation becomes even harder to explain because Justin’s cover story does not fit. By the time David returns home, his daughters know that he has not been honest.

They confront him and demand the truth.

Why did David hide the counselling?

David’s decision to lie appears rooted in shame rather than a lack of trust in Jo and Lacey.

He wants to be the person who protects them, and admitting that he is struggling challenges the role he has always tried to fill. Telling them about counselling would mean accepting that the shooting affected him more deeply than he wanted them to see.

The irony is that hiding the appointment causes more worry. Jo already fears there may have been a medical setback, while Lacey is drawn into trying to understand why several adults are covering for him.

David may believe secrecy keeps his daughters safe, but it leaves them imagining possibilities that could be even more frightening.

Will David return to Jared?

Walking out allows David to escape the immediate discomfort, but it does not resolve the anger, grief or flashbacks.

Jared has already identified two areas David is avoiding. One is his fury towards Richie. The other is the role his wedding ring plays in keeping him connected to his late wife.

It would not be surprising if David initially refuses another session. His reaction suggests he feels judged, even though Jared appears to be trying to understand the emotions behind his behaviour.

However, the confrontation with Jo and Lacey may force him to reconsider. Once they know he has been hiding counselling, David may have less reason to continue pretending that he is coping alone.

The first session ends badly, but it also exposes exactly why David needs support. His anger remains close to the surface, his grief shapes his decisions and his instinct is still to protect everyone except himself.

Home and Away is available to watch in the UK through the Channel 5 hub, including the Channel 5 website, app and supported smart TV platforms.

All images: Channel 5 / Seven Network, used for editorial purposes only.

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