Home and Away spoilers as Alf Stewart faces trouble amid health concerns thanks to new cop Richie
Alf Stewart's (Ray Meagher) feathers are ruffled by the arrival of cop Richie Brezniak (Rocco Forrester-Sach) in Home and Away. The newbie manages to get on the wrong side of several residents, including his boss, Senior Constable Cash Newman (Nicholas Cartwright), who soon believes he might have made a bad decision by employing him at Yabbie Creek. Following Forrester-Sach's casting, a Seven Network spokesperson teased: “Yabbie Creek police station is welcoming a new recruit when Richie Brezniak joins the team. “Rookie Richie’s enthusiasm is set to test Senior Constable Cash Newman’s patience, and off-duty, he is poised to make waves with Abby Fowler. Is Abby about to fall for the Bay’s newest heartthrob?” Ritchie accompanies Cash on a routine traffic patrol operation, one of the few policing duties that the constable is allowed to do after being caught trying to bring troubled criminal Tane Parata (Ethan Browne) back to Summer Bay. Determined to impress his superior, he pulls over the first car that he comes across – unaware that the legendary Alf is the one driving! Just moments before, amid concerns for her pensioner father's health, Roo (Georgie Parker) orders him to climb down from an unsafe ladder. She then clocks a letter telling him to renew his driver’s licence, spelling out that he'll have to undergo a medical assessment first because of his age. Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google. He assures her that he's fine, and doesn't need any intervention. However, when Ritchie realises that his licence has expired, it becomes apparent that he's driving illegally. Cash tries to get the local off with a warning, though Alf decides to do the right thing and asks the authorities to treat him accordingly with a fine. With Alf's independence stripped away, he informs Roo that he's going to book a doctor’s appointment so that he can claim his licence back. She's relieved, unaware that he actually plans to miss the consultancy. Why is he so reluctant to see his GP? Could Alf be unwell? This episodes air Down Under this week, though won't air on 5STAR for a few more weeks, meaning Alf can enjoy some peace and quiet for the time being! Home and Away airs weekdays at 6:30pm on 5STAR. Add Home and Away to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guideto find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Home and Away confirms return of fan-favourites 10 years after exit for "epic" event
The couple last appeared on the show in 2016.
Home and Away has confirmed the return of fan-favourite couple Darryl "Brax" Braxton and Ricky Sharpe in an "epic" event – 10 years after their exits from the show. The pair – who are played by Stephen Peacocke and Bonnie Sveen – will return to our screens in special episodes filmed in Western Australia, which are set to begin airing on Friday 17 April 2026. According to a press release, the special episodes will follow Brax, Ricky and their son Casey (Austin Cutcliffe), who have quietly built a whole new life for themselves working on a cattle station deep in the WA outback. But their peaceful existence is threatened when a desperate Tane (Ethan Browne) – framed for a crime he didn’t commit – lands on their doorstep hoping that Brax can help him disappear. "But when police launch a nationwide manhunt for Tane, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Harbouring a fugitive could lead authorities straight to them and threaten the perfect life they’ve spent years building," the release continues. "Will Brax and Ricky risk everything to take Tane in?" Filming on the special episodes took place last October across some of Western Australia’s most spectacular locations, including Elizabeth Quay in central Perth, Bullara Station near Exmouth, and in the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area. Peacocke played Brax from 2011 to 2016, and won two Logie Awards for most popular actor for his role. Sveen portrayed Ricky between 2013 and 2016, and was awarded the Logie for most popular new talent in 2014. New episodes of Home and Away are available from 6am weekdays on 5. Add Home and Away to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Axle Whitehead issues three-word response to potential Home and Away return
Could a return to the Bay be on the cards?
It's been over a decade since Axle Whitehead left his role as Liam Murphy on Home and Away, and he certainly wouldn't be opposed to reprising that role. Whitehead's character was written out of the show in 2013 as he left the Bay to be with his son Ash so he could spend more time with his family and leave his bad boy life behind. The nature in which Liam left the soap has meant the door was always left open for the character to one day return, and many people have wondered if the actor would ever reprise his role. When the question was posed to Whitehead, the actor told press including RadioTimes.com: "My character, Liam Murphy, rode off into the sunset on a motorbike with Romeo on the back. So I'm sure at some point he could return." He continued: "Never say never. It's just one of those shows that like any soap you work fast, you have a great sense of camaraderie with the cast and crew and it's a hell of a lot of fun, great training ground. And yeah, never say never." Whitehead will be on screens in just a few days as he stars in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, as the Channel 4 series introduces a new twist to the show's format. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/Celebrity-SAS-Who-Dares-Wins-S8-Generic-CELEBRITY-RECRUIT-IMAGE-7af2113.jpg" width="4900" height="3267" alt="Ryan Moloney, Mack Horton, Emily Seebohm, Brad Hodge, Jessika Power, Axle Whitehead, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Graeme Swann, Dani Dyer, Jack Joseph, Cole Anderson-James, Toby Olubi, Gabby Allen and Ben Cohen stood in a row, wearing matches brown camo outfits, looking ahead with mute expressions." title="Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins S8 Generic" /> Kicking off on Sunday 4th January, the new series will see 14 British and Australian celebrities face the most punishing challenge of their lives. Whitehead is part of Team Australia, joining the likes of Married at First Sight Australia breakout star Jessika Power, Neighbours actors Ryan Moloney and Natalie Bassingthwaighte, cricketer Brad Hodge and Olympians Emily Seebohm and Mack Horton. Meanwhile, on team UK, the celebrities taking part include TV and social media personalities Dani Dyer, Gabby Allen, Jack Joseph and Cole Anderson-James, rugby player Ben Cohen, Gladiator star Toby Olubi and cricketer Graeme Swann. The synopsis teases: "The UK and Aussie recruits are put under extreme pressure as every mistake is punished, every crack exploited, every weakness dragged into the open. Not everyone will have what it takes to make it to the end as bonds snap, egos shatter, and recruits are pushed so far past their limits they forget they ever had any. "But when the dust settles, one question remains: will any of these celebrities make it to the end of this physically demanding and psychologically gruelling course and impress the DS enough to pass the course? And, more importantly, will the UK or Australia emerge victorious when the rivalry finally reaches its breaking point?" Home and Away airs weekdays at 1:45pm on 5. Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins returns to Channel 4 on Sunday 4th January 2026 at 9pm. Add Home and Away to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Home and Away confirmed for major UK broadcasting change in "natural next step"
Fans will still be able to watch the soap every day.
5 has revealed that Home and Away will leave its familiar daytime slot next year. The Australian soap has held the same 1:45pm weekday timeslot on the channel for years. But when the show – which went on its annual winter hiatus last week – returns in January, it will no longer be airing on the main channel. 5 said in a statement that the show is "moving exclusively to streaming for daytime viewing", meaning fans who still want to watch it during the day will have to use 5’s streaming app and view it on demand. There will be no change to the 5Star showings, with the newest episode at 6.30pm and another chance to watch the previous day’s episode at 6pm. Back in March, 5 started releasing new episodes of the soap at 6am every weekday ahead of linear broadcast. “Viewing hours surged by 17 per cent year-on-year in its first month, confirming strong early adoption," the statement from 5 explained. “This momentum continued throughout the year with every month outperforming its counterpart from the previous year. “Audiences have now become accustomed to accessing the title via streaming; the latest month delivered record-breaking engagement, with viewing hours climbing 23% year-on-year." Greg Barnett, commissioning editor at 5, added: “Home and Away has been a phenomenal success for us on streaming. Viewers have fully embraced the flexibility of on-demand viewing, driving double-digit year-on-year growth and making streaming the preferred way to watch the show. “Moving daytime episodes exclusively to streaming is a natural next step, reflecting how audiences want to engage with their favourite content.” Home and Away airs weekdays at 1:45pm on 5. Add Home and Away to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guideto find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Home & Away’s Lynne McGranger on why she quit after 32 years as Irene – and what the future holds
The Aussie soap icon exclusively looks back on her time in Summer Bay.
It’s the end of an era as Home and Away legend Lynne McGranger leaves the Australian soap after playing Irene Roberts for almost 33 years. Iconic Irene has been a Summer Bay stalwart, battling booze, cancer, and in her moving final storyline, Alzheimer’s disease. As ‘Reenie leaves her beloved home town to travel the world before her condition worsens, RadioTimes.com hears from the award-winning McGranger, who reflects on her decades of drama and reveals her reasons for quitting. And don't forget: Irene’s final episode airs on 5 on Wednesday 1st October. Why did you decide to leave Home and Away? I’d been thinking about it for a year or two. Maybe it was time to change direction, do a bit of theatre, not to get up at four in the morning and film in the rain! I had taken some time off to tour a play called The Grandparents Club and realised how much I’d missed theatre, which is where I started my career, and that’s where I wanted to be. What inspired you to suggest the Alzheimer’s storyline for Irene’s exit? Everyone you speak to, people know somebody who is dealing with it or have been diagnosed themselves. Alzheimer’s seems to be more common than ever, yet to my knowledge it’s not a topic that has been dealt with much on Australian television. My colleague Jessica Redmayne (who plays Harper) talked about her mum being diagnosed in her mid-50s, and what a tough journey it was. Jess was my go-to for research. Were you nervous about tackling the subject? I was. Mercifully, I have not had to deal with Alzheimer’s in my own family, so I relied on talking to people and reading things. I really wanted to do it justice. Irene is a popular character and a staple of the Bay and we wanted to honour her time, and also honour those dealing with Alzheimer’s. It was important we treated the story with respect and delicacy. Was it your idea we don’t see Irene deteriorate on screen, and she lives out her final days off camera? I had suggested Alzheimer’s, but the writers and producers wanted to give it a bit of a rosy ending. Let’s not make it so depressing that people are in trauma, and let’s give a message of hope. Who’s to say in two months’ time a drug or a treatment might be found? Anything is possible. What was the hardest scene to film in your final few weeks? We shoot out of sequence, so my last scene was signing over the diner to Leah. Me and Ada Nicodemou (who plays Leah) could stop crying. Ada and I spent the last month crying in any scene we did! I also remember fondly Irene telling John and Leah she had been diagnosed. The end was nigh, and it was quite emotional for us and the characters. Did you think you’d play Irene for this long? Good grief, not in a million years. I had the job for three months while my daughter Clancy was 20 months old. I left and they asked me to do another six months, maybe a year. My husband Paul left his job to look after Clancy, they kept asking if I’d like another two more years and it just kept on going, and going, and going! Would you be friends with Irene in real life? I think I would. She reminds me of a friend of mine, maybe I inadvertently based Irene on her, who is not backward in coming forward and calls a spade a frontend loader. I’m more circumspect. I’m certainly opinionated, but I do not like confrontation, whereas Irene loves it! I admire how she doesn’t hold back. She’s a card but I could see us getting on, though it would be a bit ying and yang. Why has she been so popular? Fans like Irene because she’s flawed. And she’s capable of anything at any one time, like any of us. I never thought Irene would almost bludgeon someone to death who’d invaded her home, but she did and was up on attempted murder. When you are given a circumstance you behave in certain ways, rightly or wrongly. She’s also not afraid to admit she has been wrong, people identify with that. Home and Away airs weekdays at 1:45pm on 5. Add Home and Away to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Home and Away to bring back iconic couple after 10 years for "landmark event"
The pair last appeared on the soap in 2016.
One of Home and Away's most iconic couples are set to make a high-profile return to the soap 10 years after their last appearance – with Stephen Peacocke and Bonnie Sveen confirmed to reprise their roles as Darryl 'Brax' Braxton and Erica 'Ricky' Sharpe. The pair will be back for a "landmark event" that is set to take place in 2026, in partnership with Tourism Western Australia. According to a release, the event "will reveal where life has taken Brax and Ricky since 2016, delivering high-stakes drama and emotional payoffs set against a stunning backdrop of WA’s rugged outback." “I’ll always be grateful to Home and Away for being the launchpad to my career, and I’ve got a sincere appreciation for the fans who’ve followed my work since," Peacocke said in a statement. "When the producers asked if I’d revisit Brax, it felt like a fun opportunity – and one I think the audience will really enjoy." He added that the opportunity to film in "spectacular" outback Western Australia was "the icing on the cake" for his return. Meanwhile, Sveen said that the chance to return as Ricky "wasn’t something I’d ever expected" but that she was "beyond thrilled" to reunite with old friends on the soap. "Exploring where Ricky and Brax are now, 10 years on, will make for a very special and compelling storyline – and I can’t wait for our WA filming adventure," she said. Fans will remember Brax as the charismatic leader of the River Boys and Ricky as the no-nonsense woman who became the love of his life, with the pair last seen driving off into the sunset in 2016. Both stars won awards for their portrayals of their characters, with Peacocke collecting four Logies during his five year stint on the show and Brax being named #4 in TV WEEK’s 2023 list of the 100 Greatest Australian TV Characters of All Time. Meanwhile, in honour of the return, 5 and Tourism Western Australia have announced a competition for one UK fan to visit West Australia’s Coral Coast in October, spending 8-nights discovering the Dream State and going behind the scenes on the Home and Away set – you can find details on how to enter at channel5.com/win/home-win. Filming on the special episodes will begin in October at various locations across Western Australia, ahead of broadcast at an as-yet-unannounced date in 2026. Home and Away airs weekdays at 1:45pm on 5. Add Home and Away to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Home and Away icon reveals character is "terrified" ahead of tragic exit after 33 years
Lynne McGranger has opened up about her upcoming exit from Home and Away, in what is set to be a devastating departure. Earlier this month it was confirmed that McGranger would be leaving her role as Irene Roberts in a hard-hitting storyline after experiencing "alarming memory lapses" that soon become impossible to ignore. In spoilers for upcoming episodes, Irene is desperate for answers about her recent memory loss and makes the decision to undergo tests at the hospital and the results "turn her world upside down". "She realises that things aren't right," McGranger told TV Week. "This is the turning point for her. She tries to get out of babysitting from then on because she's terrified." Irene finds herself consulting with Dr Bree (Juliet Godwin), who details the test she will perform, including a lumbar puncture. McGranger continued: "Bree doesn't want to say it's one thing or another – she's in no position to do so yet - but she does strongly recommend the tests." As for those closest to Irene, John (Shane Withington) suspects there is more to Irene's forgetfulness than meets the eye, with him thinking "she could've had a small stroke or something of that nature". After hours, Dr Bree calls Irene and John back in to discuss the test results and most of them come back clear, except for one. How Irene's story will come to an end is yet to be seen, but it'll be a "gut-wrenching" one for long time fans of the Australian soap. McGranger said of her exit: "After almost 33 years in my dream role and working every day with people who I love, respect and whom I now consider family, it's bittersweet to be closing the chapter on what has been the best and longest gig of my life. "I am forever grateful to the best production crew in the world and to our genius writers – whose doors are always open – for everything they have done for Irene over the past 33-odd years, and I am so proud of the storyline which will see Irene out of the Bay." She added: "Above all, a massive, heartfelt thank you to the fans for your continued love and support." Home and Away airs weekdays at 1:45pm on 5. Add Home and Away to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Home and Away icon's tragic exit storyline confirmed as character leaves after 33 years
Irene faces incredibly challenging times ahead.
One of Home and Away's most recognisable faces is parting ways with the Australian soap opera in a powerful storyline that is sure to hit viewers hard. Lynne McGranger has played the role of Irene Roberts since 1991, joining the series just a few years into its run and inheriting the role from Jacquy Phillips, who originated the character. Suffice to say, the character has been on a wild journey during her time in Summer Bay, starting out as an alcoholic before managing to turn her life around and get on a healthier track. She has been present for countless major storylines over the past three decades, with recent arcs include her relapse into drinking after falling victim to a cruel scammer named Bronte. Irene went to rehab to fight her addiction once again. Unfortunately, it has been revealed that the character's end will be definitive and hard-hitting, with an advance synopsis teasing "alarming memory lapses" that become impossible to ignore after a heart-stopping incident. Irene will forget that she is babysitting Archie and thus unintentionally leave the infant child home alone, posing any number of nightmarish risks to his safety. In light of this event, she will finally seek medical advice, but will be faced with a "gut-wrenching reality" and news that "there's no coming back from". McGranger said in a statement: "After almost 33 years in my dream role and working every day with people who I love, respect and whom I now consider family, it's bittersweet to be closing the chapter on what has been the best and longest gig of my life. "I am forever grateful to the best production crew in the world and to our genius writers – whose doors are always open – for everything they have done for Irene over the past 33-odd years, and I am so proud of the storyline which will see Irene out of the Bay." She added: "Above all, a massive, heartfelt thank you to the fans for your continued love and support." Irene's exit storyline is set to play out in Home and Away over the "coming months", with McGranger having now finished filming on the Australian soap. Home and Away airs weekdays at 1:45pm on 5. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
EastEnders favourite 'to make soap world return with Home and Away role'
The EastEnders legend has landed her next soap role.
Best known for her iconic role as Laura Beale in EastEnders, actress Hannah Waterman is set to make her return to the world of soaps – but Down Under. Having moved to Australia 10 years ago and appeared in a number of dramas there, Waterman is now reportedly set to make an appearance in hit series Home and Away. According to The Sun, Waterman is set to play a magistrate in scenes set to air in the UK this December. Waterman first made her EastEnders debut as Laura – the wife of Ian (played by Adam Woodyatt) – back in 2000 and starred in the soap for four years until her character was killed off in 2004. In her dramatic final scenes, Laura went to answer the door but tripped over a toy before falling down the stairs and dying. Ultimately, the storyline ended in carnage for Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks), who was accused of Laura's murder after an incriminating receipt was found in Laura's flat after one of their fiery arguments. It's safe to say that the death storyline was a major talking point for fans that went down in EastEnders history. Waterman went on to feature in episodes of Doctors, The Bill, New Tricks and Holby City. Now based in Sydney, Waterman has starred in Australian-Indonesian TV series Bali 2002, but Home and Away marks her return to the wonderful world of soaps. This year, the Australian soap celebrated its 35th anniversary and marked the occasion with reruns on a special TV channel. Home and Away first started airing on 17th January 1988, and Channel 5 acquired the rights to the Australian soap in 2000. The channel has been airing brand new episodes ever since. Read more: EastEnders airs scandalous Elaine Peacock decision in early iPlayer release Emmerdale's Sophie Powles on Holly Barton cameo: "It felt like I had never left" Home and Away airs weekdays at 1:45pm on Channel 5 and at 6pm on 5STAR. You can catch the first-look on weekdays at 6.30pm on 5STAR, and the show also streams on My5. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Home and Away marks 35th anniversary with reruns on new TV channel
Classic episodes will soon start airing on new channel That's TV 2.
While Home and Away continues to air brand new episodes on Channel 5, the long-running Australian soap will soon be bringing classic episodes to a new Freeview TV channel. The channel, That's TV 2, is a sister channel to That's TV, and will also be airing other classic series including Humans, Baywatch and Prisoner: Cell Block H. It will start broadcasting from Wednesday 3rd January on Freeview channel 65, Sky channel 188 and Freesat channel 181. The episodes of Home and Away will be airing to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the soap, giving viewers the opportunity to relive the show's first episodes, not seen on terrestrial TV since it all started. Head of Programming for That’s TV and That’s TV 2, Kris Vaiksalu, said: "Over the past year That's TV has reached new heights and we now have a schedule bursting with iconic TV shows from Benidorm to Shameless. "There are so many more iconic TV shows we would love to show but we had simply run out of hours to fit them in. So I asked myself, what would Einstein do? It's been a lot of work but we're hugely excited and privileged to be launching That's TV 2 as our second archive TV channel." View oEmbed on the source website Vaiksalu continued: "Our aim is to make it a complete nostalgia-fest with such iconic shows from the beginning as Home and Away, Humans, Prisoner Cell Block H and Baywatch. That's TV 2 does what it says on the tin – it's a second helping of iconic TV from the That's TV team." Read more: Will Mellor says multiple Coronation Street characters should fear Harvey’s return EastEnders confirms Max Bowden exit from role as Ben Mitchell in 2024 Home and Away first started airing on 17th January 1988, and Channel 5 acquired the rights to the Australian soap in 2000. The channel has been airing brand new episodes ever since. Following the cancellation of Neighbours (which was later rebooted) in 2022, fans had worried about the future of Home and Away as well – however, Channel 5's director of programmes, Ben Frow, revealed there was no prospect of the soap getting dropped by the broadcaster ahead of time. He said: "I think it will be interesting to see what we do with it as we evolve. There might be somewhere else to put it in the 5 spectrum. But it's a life-of-series deal, so it's not going anywhere until the makers decide to cancel it." Home and Away airs weekdays at 1:45pm on Channel 5 and at 6pm on 5STAR. You can catch the first-look on weekdays at 6.30pm on 5STAR, and the show also streams on My5. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what's on tonight. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Home and Away actor and singer Johnny Ruffo dies, aged 35
The former X Factor Australia finalist was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2017.
Actor and singer Johnny Ruffo – best known for his role as Chris Harrington on Home and Away – has died, aged 35. Ruffo was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2017 and announced in August last year that he had been given a terminal diagnosis. His death was announced in a statement posted on his official Instagram account that read: "It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny." The statement added that he had been surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family and that he "went peacefully with the support of some incredible Nurses and Doctors". It continued: "He was a very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy. Johnny was very determined and had a strong will. He battled all the way to the end and fought as hard as he could. Such a beautiful soul with so much more to give. "We all love you Johnny and will remember you for all the joy you brought to our lives." Ruffo first found fame as a contestant on The X Factor Australia, making it to the final of the third season of the reality series in 2011. He had more reality TV success the following year when he won the twelfth season of Dancing with the Stars Australia, before joining the cast of Home and Away in 2013. He went on to play Chris for three years – appearing in over 300 episodes in that time – while he later starred in six episodes of Neighbours in 2020, playing Owen Campbell. He also released several singles, the first of which was titled On Top and peaked at 14 in the Australian charts. His final track Let's Get Lost was released in 2021, and he explained at the time that it had been inspired by his experiences with medication and chemotherapy. A joint statement released by Home and Away and Channel 7 – the network on which it airs – paid tribute to Ruffo with an Instagram post calling him a "talented and charismatic performer". It added that he was "born to entertain and brought joy to the lives of so many on and off the screen" and said that his "infectious energy and big heart will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him".
Who are the longest-serving actors in soap?
The comfort soaps provide has often to do with watching the same characters going through ups and downs for years, or even decades. While soapland is known for a high turnover, welcoming new faces and airing dramatic exits, its success is partly owed to those who stay in the face of whatever life may throw at them. Think The Archers' Patricia Greene as Jill Archer or Coronation Street's William Roache as Weatherfield's resident philander Ken Barlow. These soap mainstays bring their craft to the shows' wild storylines and help make them fresh and relevant, continuing drawing in a good chunk of loyal viewers. Whether on the cobbles or the Dales, let's take a look at soap royalty with our updated guide to the UK's longest-serving (and currently still active) actors from The Archers, Corrie, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and more. Who is the longest serving UK soap actor? The coveted top spot goes to Patricia Greene, who has been voicing Jill Archer on The Archers since 1957. Also appeared in Casualty and Doctors, the actress holds the title for the longest-serving soap actor in any medium with her 66-year-long stint on BBC 4's radio drama. Greene portrays the loving but stern matriarch of the Archer family, continuing to play a prominent role in a regular capacity. Her character has endured many tribulations throughout the years, including the loss of her husband Phil in February 2010 following the death of her co-star and soap veteran Norman Painting. Who are the longest serving UK soap actors? 1. Patricia Greene as Jill Archer (The Archers) First appeared: July 1957 Greene made her debut in the role of Jill Archer in July 1957. Upon arriving to Ambridge, the character caught the eye of Phil, who was recently widowed after the death of his first wife Grace. He and Jill started dating shortly afterwards and married in November of the same year. Jill helped the family with a number of entrepreneurial ventures, including starting a short-lived bed and breakfast, but mostly filled the traditional role of cooker and helper, also due to the pressures of her mother-in-law. In 2019, she started seeing nursing home volunteer Leonard Berry (Paul Copley). 2. William Roache as Ken Barlow (Coronation Street) First appeared: December 1960 Roache has been playing Ken Barlow on Corrie since 1960, with a short break between 2013 and 2014. Originally, the soap was meant to revolve around his character, an aspiring journalist dreaming of a new life well beyond the cobbles, and then expanded to incorporate more characters and storylines. While Ken managed to fulfil his career ambitions, he never really left Weatherfield. There, he became involved in a number of passionate love triangles, including the infamous affair with Wendy Crozier (Roberta Kerr), which resulted in the end of his marriage to Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride), as well as his extramarital relationship with Martha Fraser (Stephanie Beacham) later on. When Martha returned to the cobbles last year, Ken's head immediately turned despite him being in a relationship with Wendy. Some things never change. 3. Barbara Knox as Rita Tanner (Coronation Street) First appeared: December 1964 Knox first joined the ITV soap as Rita Tanner (then known as Rita Littlewood) in 1964 before returning in a regular capacity in 1972. In her 51-year-long stint on the soap, Rita has proved to be a mother figure for many a Weatherfield residents, but her most precious baby was probably her newsagent shop, The Kabin. Despite retiring in 2009, Rita returned to The Kabin to help the new owners after Norris Cole's (Malcolm Hebden) death. 4. Brian Hewlett as Neil Carter (The Archers) First appeared: February 1973 Hewlett has been voicing Neil Carter since 1973. First introduced to the radio show as a teenager, his character went on to become a key player in Ambridge with his work at the farm. Among Neil's most notable storylines there are his election to the parish council and his wife Susan's (Charlotte Martin) imprisonment. 5. Helen Worth as Gail Rodwell (Coronation Street) First appeared: July 1974 Worth debuted in the role of Gail in 1974. The daughter of Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) and Ted Page (Michael Byrne), Gail is the half-sister of Corrie baddie Stephen Reid (Todd Boyce) and is the soap's most married female characters, with five ceremonies under her belt. 6. Patricia Gallimore as Pat Archer (The Archers) First appeared: 1974 Radio star Gallimore has been playing the role of Pat since 1974. Née Lewis, the character was introduced as a love interest to her future husband Tony Archer (Colin Skipp; David Troughton from 2014). The hard-working Pat has endured many a heartaches during her time at Ambridge, including the loss of her son John and the accident that almost claimed the life of her husband. 7. Charles Collingwood as Brian Aldridge (The Archers) First appeared: March 1975 The Canadian-British star has been a part of the Ambridge community since the mid-1970s, when he joined the cast as villain Brian Aldridge. A farmer with an eye for business and several extramarital affairs, Brian's wrongdoings came back to haunt him when he was forced to retire after his involvement in the dumping of toxic chemicals was revealed. 8. Trevor Harrison as Eddie Grundy (The Archers) First appeared: 1979 Also featured on Crossroads, Harrison is best known for playing the role of Eddie Grundy on The Archers. Eddie's moral compass isn't always reliable as the character is often involved in daft schemes. The constant in his life appears to be his wife Clarrie (Heather Bell), who has stood by him through thick and thin. 9. Sue Nicholls as Audrey Roberts (Coronation Street) First appeared: 1979 Another Corrie veteran, Nicholls has been playing hairdresser Audrey since the late 1970s. Single mother Audrey has been in many short-lived relationships before finding steady love with Alf Roberts (Bryan Mosley). The pair would remain together from 1985 until his tragic death in 1999. At the centre of a storyline about depression and alcohol abuse, Audrey managed to pull through thanks to her loved ones and re-opened her salon in 2022. 10. Timothy Bentinck as David Archer (The Archers) First appeared: 1982 Bentnick took over from Nigel Carrivick in 1982, voicing David, the second son of protagonists Phil and Jill Archer. Having shown an early interest in the farm, David is the one who would go on to assume responsibility for Brookfield. He is married to Ruth (Felicity Finch). 11. Charlotte Martin as Susan Carter (The Archers) First appeared: 1983 Martin has been playing social climber Susan Carter since 1983. Married to Neil, the character has been involved in prominent storylines, including being sent to prison for harbouring her criminal brother Clive (Alex Jones). 12. Michael Le Vell as Kevin Webster (Coronation Street) First appeared: October 1983 Le Vell has been playing Kevin Webster sine 1983, with a short break between 2013 and 2014. A mechanic and the owner of Webster's Autocentre, Kevin is now married to Abi (Sally Carman), with the pair sharing son Jack and Abi's son with Imran (Charlie de Melo), Alfie. Kevin previously tied the knot with Sally (Sally Dynevor) and had daughters Rosie (Helen Flanagan) and Sophie (Brooke Vincent) through that marriage. 13. Alison Dowling as Elizabeth Pargetter (The Archers) First appeared: 1984 Dowling plays Jill and Phil's younger daughter Elizabeth. She became lady of Lower Loxley through her marriage to the eccentric Nigel Pargetter (Graham Seed). Now a widow, she has managed to build Lower Loxley into a successful business and is in a relationship with Vince Casey. 14. Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale (EastEnders) First appeared: February 1985 EastEnders' longest-serving cast member, Woodyatt has been playing Ian Beale since 1985. Ian has been married five times and has had countless feuds in Walford, including a long-standing one with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). Though he technically left Albert Square last year, he returned to the show for a cameo appearance during Dot Branning's (June Brown) funeral in December. 15. Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts (EastEnders) First appeared: February 1985 Dean was first featured on EastEnders in 1985 as one of the soap's original main characters. Married several times, Sharon resents Ian for the death of her son Dennis Rickman Jr (Bleu Landau), locked in a boat later crashed by Phil and Sharon's lover Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters). She and Keanu share son Albie, with Sharon allowing her ex to see the toddler during a surprise return at the end of last year. 16. Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Beale (EastEnders) First appeared: February 1985 Taylforth is one of EastEnders' pillars, having played Kathy since 1985. The actress took a prolonged break from the soap in 2000 before returning to Walford in 2015. The owner of LGBTQ+ bar The Prince Albert, Kathy has been at the centre of bonkers storylines, including faking her own death. 17. Sally Dynevor as Sally Metcalfe (Coronation Street) First appeared: January 1986 Dynevor has been portraying Sally Metcalfe since 1986. The former councillor and mayor of Weatherfield, Sally has been married twice. She shares daughters Rosie and Sophie with her first husband Kevin Webster. Married to Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) since 2015, Sally almost had a change of heart when Tim's Las Vegas wedding to Charlie Wood (which he assumed to be invalid) came to light in 2020. He and Sally were officially married after he obtained a divorce. 18. Sally Ann Matthews as Jenny Bradley (Coronation Street) First appeared: January 1986 Matthews debuted in the role of Jenny in 1986 and first left Weatherfield in 1991. Despite being on the soap again for several cameos throughout the years, she only reappeared in a regular capacity in 2015 with a dramatic storyline. At the time, her character Jenny was sectioned for having kidnapped Kevin's son and returned to the street in 2016 with a job at Underworld. The owner of the Rovers, Jenny was recently in a relationship with Leo Thompkins (Joe Frost). The pair seemingly broke up when Leo went to Canada without her. Actually, the engineer was murdered by Stephen Reid, who covered his crime by making it look as though his victim had fled the cobbles. 19. Derek Thompson as Charlie Fairhead (Casualty) First appeared: September 1986 Thompson is the longest-serving actor on BBC medical drama Casualty, having played the role of Charlie for more than 35 years. The clinical nurse specialist is a constant presence at Holby City Hospital, known for his sense of humour and his several brushes with death. From being held hostage at work to having a heart attack, Charlie has survived very dramatic — and potentially fatal — situations. 20. Chris Chittel as Eric Pollard (Emmerdale) First appeared: September 1986 Chittell made his debut as Eric on Emmerdale in 1986 and has continually appeared in the role since. Originally introduced as the show's baddie, Eric villainous ways have been significantly toned down since his marriage to Val Lambert (Charlie Hardwick) and his efforts to build a relationship with long-lost son David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden). Carole Boyd as Linda Snell (The Archers) - First appeared: 1986 Felicity Finch as Ruth Archer (The Archers) - First appeared: 1987 Philip Molloy as Phil Grundy (The Archers) - First appeared: 1989 Simon Gregson as Steve McDonald (Coronation Street) - First appeared: 1989 Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell (Coronation Street) - First appeared: February 1990 Natalie Cassidy as Sonia Fowler (EastEnders) - First appeared: December 1993 Steve Halliwell as Zak Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: October 1994 James Hooton as Sam Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: February 1995 Nick Pickard as Tony Hutchinson (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: October 1995 Mark Charnock as Marlon Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: October 1996 Jimmy McKenna as Jack Osborne (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: November 1996 Stephanie Waring as Cindy Cunningham (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: December 1996 Dominic Brunt as Paddy Kirk (Emmerdale) - First appeared: February 1997 Jane Danson as Leanne Battersby (EastEnders) - First appeared: July 1997 Alan Halsall as Tyrone Dobbs (Coronation Street) - First appeared: November 1998 Tina O'Brien as Sarah Platt (Coronation Street) - First appeared: October 1999 Ellis Hollins as Tom Cunningham (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: December 1999 Emma Atkins as Charity Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: March 2000 Jeff Hordley as Cain Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: March 2000 Jack P. Shepherd as David Platt (Coronation Street) - First appeared: April 2000 Sue Cleaver as Eileen Grimshaw (EastEnders) - First appeared: May 2000 Samia Longchambon as Maria Connor (EastEnders) - First appeared: May 2000 Louiza Patikas as Helen Titchener (The Archers) - First appeared: 2000 Jennie McAlpine as Fiz Stape (Coronation Street) - First appeared: April 2001 Lucy Pargeter as Chas Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: October 2002 Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater (EastEnders) - First appeared: November 2004 Jessica Fox as Nancy Hayton (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: July 2005 Adrian Lewis Morgan as Jimmi Clay (Doctors) - First appeared: September 2005 Kieron Richardson as Ste Hay (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: February 2006 Jennifer Metcalfe as Mercedes McQueen (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: June 2006 Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times View From My Sofa podcast.
Home and Away safe on Channel 5 until makers decide to cancel it
Channel 5's director of programmes Ben Frow confirmed the show's future in this week's Radio Times magazine.
With Neighbours set to air its final ever episode later this month on Channel 5, soap fans are inevitably wondering whether they need to worry about the futures of their other favourite series. One soap that's future may have seemed particularly precarious is Home and Away – another Australian soap that, like Neighbours, also airs on Channel 5. However, Ben Frow, Channel 5's director of programmes, has now confirmed the soap's future on the channel in this week's Radio Times magazine, and it's very good news for fans. When asked whether Home and Away's future would be threatened on the channel, Frow said: "No. But I think it will be interesting to see what we do with it as we evolve. There might be somewhere else to put it in the 5 spectrum. But it’s a life-of-series deal, so it’s not going anywhere until the makers decide to cancel it." <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2022/07/Home-and-Away-EP-7742-Nikau-KFOX-REO-Tane-EBROWNE-Logan-HBONNER-and-Chloe-SBARRETT-watch-as-Mia-ASAMSON-arrives-to-marry-Ari-RKIPA-WILLIAMS-HAA-8735Original-Imagem39414-3297847.jpg" width="6298" height="4201" alt="Nikau (Kawakawa Fox-Reo), Tane (Ethan Browne), Logan (Harley Bonner) and Chloe (Sam Barrett) watch as Mia (Anna Samson) arrives to marry Ari (Rob Kipa-Williams) in Home and Away." title="Home and Away EP 7742 Nikau (K_FOX-REO)_ Tane (E_BROWNE)_ Logan (H_BONNER) and Chloe (S_BARRETT) watch as Mia (A_SAMSON) arrives to marry Ari (R_KIPA-WILLIAMS) HAA 8735_Original Image_m39414" /> The news will surely be music to fans' ears as the soap heads towards its 35th anniversary next year. Neighbours celebrated its own 35th anniversary back in 2020, and its cancellation was confirmed in March of this year. Frow also spoke with Radio Times about the channel's decision to axe Neighbours, saying it was purely "a business decision". When asked whether he could have continued to spend money on the show he said: "Yes. Or I could spend the money on other things, which is what I decided to do. I can better spend the Neighbours money on UK shows." Neighbours' final ever episode is set to air on Channel 5 on Friday 29th July, with multiple guest appearances in store from former stars. Home and Away airs weekdays at 1:15pm on Channel 5 and at 6pm on 5STAR. You can catch the first-look on weekdays at 6.30pm on 5STAR, and the show also streams on My5. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what's on tonight. The latest issue of Radio Times magazine is on sale now – subscribe now and get the next 12 issues for only £1. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times podcast with Jane Garvey.
Exclusive – Home and Away trailer teases Heath Braxton's upcoming return to Summer Bay
Bad boy Heath returns to Summer Bay in upcoming episodes of the Australian soap.
RadioTimes.com can exclusively reveal a first-look promo for Home and Away's upcoming episodes, teasing Heath Braxton's long-awaited return to Summer Bay. In the minute-long clip, we see Heath, played once again by Dan Ewing, turn up to stop Tane and Ari Parata from carrying out a dangerous robbery after being blackmailed by Paul and Leon. "You muppets are on River Boy turf," he says in the clip, referring to his gang based in Mangrove River. View Green Video on the source website Ewing last appeared on the show in 2016, when Heath returned to Summer Bay with his wife Bianca Scott (Lisa Gormley), however, he departed again in February 2017. In the teaser trailer, we also see Colby lying unconscious in hospital after being attacked by some of the other inmates at his prison, while Bella sits at her brother's side and Dean tells Colby to do "whatever it takes to survive". Meanwhile, Christian and Tori begin to think about their future together with Tori's daughter Grace, although, on the other side of town, couple Alf and Martha are seen arguing over the arrival of her son Kieran, who is secretly battling an alcohol problem and has "made a lot of bad choices". As for Ziggy, it looks as though she's begun to spark up a romance with Tane Parata, as the two share a quick kiss in the clip. Home and Away airs weekdays at 1:15pm and 6:00pm on Channel 5. You can catch the first look weekdays at 6:30pm on 5STAR. If you’re looking for something else to watch, check out our TV Guide.
Home and Away cast: who's who and cast changes
Who makes up the current list of regulars in Summer Bay?
Summer Bay is a busy place to be as the comings and goings in Home and Away never really stop. While it can be tricky to keep on top of the characters, we've got a handy guide below to give you all the information you need. Read on to your essential Home and Away cast list. Last updated: 23rd June 2021 CURRENT Christian Green (Ditch Davey) Dr Chris is in the house and the mysterious medical man has a lot of secrets in his pockets. Actor Davey told Digital Spy in November 2020 how there are "things that are following him that he doesn't even know". Nikau Parata (Kawakawa Fox-Reo) In scenes that happened off-screen, Nikau's father was shot and killed by the police when he was younger. He arrived in Summer Bay in 2020 with his uncles and has already sent many hearts a-flutter. Nikau is currently dating Bella Nixon and he's best mates with Ryder Jackson. Tane Parata (Ethan Browne) Tane arrived in 2020 along with the rest of the Parata family. He is brother to Ariki and an uncle to Nikau. He isn't shy of danger and finds himself at times in the mix of a bad bunch indeed. Ariki Wiremu Parata (Rob Kipa-Williams) Ari arrived in Summer Bay in 2020 and is the head of the Parata family. He considers himself the protector of his family. He is a brother to Tane and an Uncle to Nikau. Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman) Another 2017 arrival, Ziggy has been known to be a bit troublesome at times and one of her early stories saw her run away from home. Ziggy was in a relationship with Brody, a pairing that her father, Ben, certainly didn't approve of, but the pair nonetheless went on marry. The tumultuous relationship was never meant to be though and they have since separated. Ziggy is currently in a relationship with Dean Thompson. Mackenzie Booth (Emily Weir) Mackenzie, the half-sister of Dean Thompson, arrived in Summer Bay last year and is the current owner of the Salt restaurant. In good old fashioned soap drama, Dean was unaware that she was his sister when they met and it proved to be quite the shock. Formerly in a relationship with Colby, Mackenzie showed how tough she was when she was caught up in a siege at the hospital and went as far as allowing herself to be taken hostage so that Belle, who was in need of serious medical help, could be saved. Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) The long-standing cast member first appeared in the show all the way back in 1989. This is Symon's third long-running stint playing the character of Marilyn and this is the longest one yet having started in 2010. The former Mrs Flathead (we miss you, Fisher), Marilyn has been at the centre of so many stories over the years and relatively recently we've seen her marry John and the two have become the new Pippa and Micheal by fostering children in need of help- a well-loved Home and Away tradition. Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost) Arriving at the end of 2017, Jasmine is a nurse and is described as a "spirited Aussie girl" and she has had her fair share of love interests during her tenure on the show so far with Colby Thorne, Mason Morgan and Robbo all being romantically linked to her. She has had a stalker, had en entrance that involved a car crash that killed Kat Chapman, and revealed a tragic childhood that saw her left in foster care following her mother's death and her father abandoning her. Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich) Arriving in, you guessed it, 2017, Ryder was introduced as another bad boy of the bay, committing crimes and causing trouble until Alf Stewart took him under his wing and set him on a better path. He had an on-off relationship with Coco Astoni, was kissed by Summer Bay's first gay character in some time, Ty Anderson, a kiss that went unreciprocated but showed a real mature side to Ryder who was supportive of him. Recent scenes have seen the character accused of a sex crime when a revenge plot saw Jade upload a video of them sleeping together and claimed it was done against her will. Justin Morgan (James Stewart) A 2016 arrival now, Justin is a mechanic with a bit of a temper who joined the show alongside his siblings and enjoyed his role as "head of the household". Forever a hero for saving Alf's life once, he and his siblings were initially in witness protection following their parent's murder at the hands of a drug syndicate. Justin has had numerous relationships, including with Willow, and he has been held hostage, shot, stabbed, and been involved in a plane crash. It would be safe to say it's been a dramatic few years so far for him. Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee) A sibling of Justin, she too has endured many of the same horrors that he has following the murder of their parents and subsequent terror at the hands of the drug syndicate. She made the decision to become a mother in 2018 and her fertility treatment was part of the storyline. Her relationships have included Martin Ashford, Nate Cooper and Duncan Stewart, but it was Robbo she asked to be the father of her child. When the pregnancy failed, he decided he couldn't go through with it again. She did, however, eventually have a daughter - Grace. Bella Nixon (Courtney Miller) Arriving at the tail end of 2018, the sheltered yet feisty Bella is the younger half-sister of Colby and has been the subject of a lot of drama since turning up in Summer Bay. Some of her biggest storylines have included being the victim of a sexual assault attempt at the hands of Tommy O'Reilly, she was thankfully saved by Irene Roberts and a long-running feud with Mackenzie Booth. She was also diagnosed with tetanus and didn't hesitate to use her illness to her advantage. John Palmer (Shane Withington) Another long-timer, John's been on Home and Away since 2009 and was originally known for being a bit of angry character. He has mellowed over time though and began to show a funnier side. The husband of Marilyn Chambers, the couple now foster children. John has had more jobs than you can shake a stick at, including, lifeguard, councillor, manager of the surf club and a bus driving tour guide! Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou) Can you believe that Leah has been on Home and Away since 2000? It seems like only yesterday that we fell in love with her and Vinnie as a couple, with a child, VJ, coming out of the marriage. Following Vinnie's death, she went on to marry Dan Baker (who also died) and then Zac McGuire (now separated, but not dead). One of Leah's most dramatic storylines to date is currently airing as she has just spent weeks held captive at the hands of the evil Douglas. Scenes at the moment in the UK are showing Leah attempt to deal with all that happened to her. Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) Another long time fixture, McGranger first appeared as Irene in 1993 and has remained a member of the regular cast ever since. Known for taking in waifs and strays such as Selina Roberts and the brilliantly named Joey Rainbow, she is fiercely loyal and will always go into bat for you if she cares about you. The recovering alcoholic is described by the show itself as "your classic Aussie battler". Down to earth and with a wry sense of humour, she's always good for a yarn and a laugh. It doesn't matter who you are, young or old, Irene's door is always open to you." We couldn't sum her up better than that. Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) Like Marilyn, it's hard to sum up Alf as he has been a permeant fixture of Summer Bay since Home and Away first began. We've seen Alf go through many ups and downs over the years, including marrying and then losing his beloved wife Ailsa. The man we all love to impersonate is such a fixture of the bay that it would be hard to imagine it without him. Meagher has had numerous breaks over the years and it always feels like something is missing when he isn't there. Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) Whilst Roo originally debuted way back in the first year of 1988, actress Georgie Parker has been the one embodying the character since 2010 and she's celebrating her tenth-anniversary on the show this year. Her biggest storylines so far have included contracting meningitis that very nearly killed her and a relationship, and engagement, with a man who turned out to already married and a compulsive liar! Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor) Dean arrived in 2018 as of the latest in a long line of River Boys, a criminal gang that operates in the area and dominated the screen for several years. Many of his stories have been crime-related, with the troublemaker getting into trouble with a loan shark and committing robberies and credit card fraud to try and bail himself out. Dean had previously been in a relationship with fellow current regular Willow and was prominent during her gambling storyline. Mia Anderson (Anna Samson) There is a blast from the past being lined up for Ari Parata (Rob Kipa-Williams) as he comes face to face with a past relationship when he and Mia are reunited. Ari knew Mia and her daughter before he went to prison so it should be interesting to see how he reacts to seeing them again. For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides. Chloe Anderson (Sam Barrett) And Mia will not be alone when she makes her way to Summer Bay as her daughter, Chloe, will be along for the ride too. The pair are sure to be caught up in the drama in no time, but word is that Chloe could be a love interest for Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich) - time will tell on that front. ARRIVING Cash Newman (Nicholas Cartwright) There is a hot new cop on the way to our screens in the UK having recently debuted in episodes shown in Australia and he will be kept very busy when he turns up in Summer Bay as a fisherman discover a body out in the bay. And given this is Home and Away, we can't imagine him ever having a quiet week while he is on duty! Logan Bennett (Harley Bonner) Best known for playing the role of Josh Willis in Neighbours (RIP Josh), Harley Bonner is swapping Aussie soaps as he has signed up to play trauma surgeon, Logan, in Summer Bay. Speaking about returning to soapland, Bonner said to 7 News: "It's been a while since I've had the privilege of working on a programme that's such a hallmark of Australian television. I'm happy to say I picked it back up a lot faster than expected. I really love working on shows like Home and Away, I love my character and I can't wait for Australia to meet him." Wondering about the other soaps? Read more of our cast guides Hollyoaks cast: who is leaving, returning to and joining the soap? EastEnders cast: who is leaving, returning to and joining the soap? Coronation Street cast: who is leaving, returning to and joining the soap? Emmerdale cast: who is leaving, returning to and joining the cast? Neighbours cast: Who is joining, returning to and leaving the soap? Visit our dedicated Home and Away page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Home and Away is going on its annual break – and it's sooner than you might think
'Tis the season to be jolly- and to be without one our Australian soaps for a few weeks – not the best Christmas present for Home and Away fans admittedly. As it does every year, the beachside soap will be taking an extended break from the Channel 5 schedule as we head into the holiday season, and that final episode is airing sooner than we thought it would this year. The final Home and Away episode of 2019 is set to air on Friday 20th November and while we have not been told when it will be coming back, with Channel 5 promising to reveal details on that as soon as they can, expect the next trip to Summer Bay to be in the first couple of weeks of January at the earliest. Fans were expecting this as it happens each year, although the soap has now fallen behind on Australian broadcasts, like its neighbour, ahem, Neighbours. All eyes are now on Channel 5 who will have a gap in their schedule to fill with Home and Away going off the air for a while. Will some of that vacated space be used to catch Neighbours up with Australia once again? We certainly hope so and it seems like an ideal time to do it. Home and Away will also be taking a break in Australia too, although we do not yet know what day the show will head off on its holiday there. Like every other soap, it was also forced to take a production break earlier in the year when lockdown hit. Thankfully they were able to get back to filming a few weeks later and it has run uninterrupted since. Visit our dedicated Home and Away page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Home and Away's Georgie Parker reveals her secret nickname for Ray Meagher as she celebrates 10-year anniversary
The star looks back on 10 years in Summer Bay as Alf Stewart's feisty daughter.
A milestone is reached on Home and Away this month when Georgie Parker notches up 10 years as Roo Stewart, daughter of the soap's legendary longest-serving character Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). While the character was among the original cast of the Australian soap back in 1988, Parker became the second actress to play the role from 2010, replacing Justine Clarke who left in 1989. One of Australia's most popular TV stars, award-winning Parker's casting was a coup at the time and heralded a more mature, older and wiser Roo when she was reintroduced, a far cry from the teenage tearaway she once was. In an exclusive chat with RadioTimes.com, the fan favourite reflects on a decade in Summer Bay. How did you feel about joining Home and Away back in 2010? I really wanted to work with Ray Meagher (Alf Stewart). I always knew we'd get on, when there was talk of me joining he came up to me at an awards ceremony and said: 'I hear you might be coming to play, wouldn't that be good?' I'd done many other shows on Channel 7, the same network as Home and Away, the offer came and I knew their approach to drama and it was a comfortable fit for me. There's a real sense of family on the channel. And Roo is an interesting character, not a straight-up middle aged woman. She is ballsy and a rebel. Were you worried about the part being recast? Funnily enough Justine Clarke, the original Roo, is a good friend. We always take a selfie when we run into each other and send it to Ray - from your two daughters! It had been a long time since Justine left, and I assumed she wouldn't want to go back to something she started with as she has grown way beyond the character. She is a luminous performer and her career has taken many fascinating and interesting turns. We actually worked together on a cop show called All Saints. Though it would be fun if she came in as my twin! How familiar were you with the show before you joined? I did a drama for many years in Australia called A Country Practice, and was well aware of the cast and crew as we filmed in the next studio so we shared a green room. I did guest role when they were shooting the pilot, then when I joined the regular cast Home and Away had been going for a year. Nicolle Dickson, Alex Papps, I'd hang out and have lunch with all those original cast members. Later in the early 2000s, I did All Saints in the same studio in the era of Bec Cartwright, Tammin Sursok. I've been working alongside Home and Away for decades, my career was always in parallel with the show! Do you still enjoy working with Ray Meagher? He is a terrific man. He calls me 'Parker' and I call him 'YOF' which stands for 'Your Other Father'. His number is actually stored in my phone as that! Ray is a great storyteller, very generous and has a wicked sense of humour. I love him. Alf has softened a bit, but he can still get riled up and give people what for. We need that kind of character on the show, you can't have everyone holding hands and skipping off into the sunset! How has Roo changed since you've been playing her? Since her mum Martha came back into her life she's got some degree of closure. A lot of the stuff she acted out on when she was a naughty teenager, and thought her mum was dead, is still hardwired into her though. Finding Martha didn't erase all the things she felt and reasons behind her behaviour. Having her back makes her feel better but doesn't change who she is and how she got there. Roo's inherent rebelliousness was a reaction to pain and grief of losing one parent, and being left with another who didn't know how to be there for her. She's become very maternal, but was she lacking female role models when she was younger? Well there were Alf's sisters, Auntie Celia and Auntie Morag, but they weren't the warmest women on the planet were they?! You'd be jumping out of the bedroom window to go off and have a good time with those two in the house… Anything to get out! <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2020/08/EMBARGO-1-WEEK-PRIOR-TO-TX-EP-7383-Ryder-L_RADOVICH-tells-Alf-R_MEAGHER-and-Roo-G_PARKER-that-hes-going-to-attend-the-funeral_HAA-1477_0130_jpg_ReferenceImage_m4843-7db5ed1.jpg" width="1080" height="720" alt="home and away roo stewart ryder jackson" title="EMBARGO 1 WEEK PRIOR TO TX EP 7383 Ryder (L_RADOVICH) tells Alf (R_MEAGHER) and Roo (G_PARKER) that he's going to attend the funeral_HAA 1477_0130_jpg_ReferenceImage_m4843" /> How similar are Roo and Alf? Oh she is definitely her father's daughter. Roo has become a mother figure to her nephew, Ryder, but lets him make his own mistakes as that's the only way you learn - Roo has made enough of her own. If you muck up, you'll be the one to suffer. You can fall over and get back up, but if you do it again you're an idiot! Roo may be his parental figure but she is also the cheeky, cool aunt who encourages him to be a bit rebellious. In fact Ryder can be the straight one compared to her, she is a bit more outrageous and loves embarrassing him! Finally, who have been your mentors in your career? I always looked to older actors and observed how they worked, and shut up and listen to their stories. Joan Sydney and Shane Porteous in A Country Practice come to mind. I've been acting a long time and I always notice who is true to the work, who is lazy and who just phones it in. The ones that make a fuss are always the ones trying to disguise the fact they're not very good at their job! Visit our dedicated Home and Away page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Luke Jacobz returns to Home and Away after 10 years, but is Angelo back for good?
And why was the character the most hated man on TV?
The gruesome discovery of a dead body brings an old face back to Summer Bay as hot cop Angelo Rosetta returns for the first time in almost a decade, with Australian actor and presenter Luke Jacobz reprising the role. Angelo spent three eventful years in Home and Away from 2008 embroiled in numerous violent crime-led storylines, and later ran a restaurant after being chucked off the force. Last seen leaving for pastures new with lover Nicole and her baby son George in 2011, the reinstated officer, now detective, is drawn back to the coastal town to head up the investigation into the murder of Colby Thorne's dastardly stepdad Ross Nixon. It's a return to acting for multi-talented Jacobz, also a successful presenter in his native Australia who has hosted X Factor and Netflix reality hit Instant Hotel. RadioTimes.com spoke exclusively to the star about his soap comeback and what tempted him to return. Were you surprised to be asked back? I wasn't expecting it, the call came and they literally asked me what I was doing next week as they were thinking of bringing Angelo back! I always said I was glad he wasn't killed off so it was left open for a possible return one day. They explained the storyline and the reasons for his return and it made perfect sense. Was it your decision to leave in 2011? It was 50/50. I was hosting X Factor and the next season was going to overlap with the Home and Away schedule, I couldn't do both so Angelo was written out. I would've stayed as long as they wanted me, but looking back I also felt the character had run its course by then. If I'd been asked to leave and hadn't had X Factor I probably would've been more upset, but it timed out perfectly and it's great to be brought back. What has Angelo been up to for the last decade? He's more mature. Things didn't work out with him and Nicole, they went their separate ways as he missed being on the police force and chose resuming his cop career over her. So he went back and worked his way up to a senior role in homicide. I get to wear nice suits and drive a great car! He's married to Taylor who is very supportive of his job. Are you pleased he's a cop again? He was born to do it. When he gave up the badge, having accidentally killed Jack Holden then helping Martha and Hugo escape, he was riddled with guilt and it was a big decision. I remember it was gutting at the time he wasn't a cop any more, then he opened the restaurant which was a fun, different chapter for the character. It opened up another side to him. What reaction did you get to Jack's death at the time? I would say Angelo became one of the most hated characters on Australian TV! Jack was loved by everybody. I'd have fans abusing me in the supermarket for killing him off! It was a huge thing for Angelo but it helped develop him into where he is today. Did you keep in touch with any of the cast? I've spent a decade hosting shows on the same network as Home and Away (Channel Seven) so I would see them at awards shows or channel events, it's a lovely team and a real family. Lynne McGranger (Irene Roberts) and I support the same footie team, I always see Ray Meagher (Alf Stewart) around. I also know some of the newer faces like James Stewart (Justin Morgan) and Penny MacNamee (Tori Morgan) who I go way back with. How does Angelo feel returning to the Bay? He's not there to make friends, he's investigating a very serious murder. Soon he discovers the River Boys connection, who Angelo doesn't have a very good history with himself as fans may remember! Angelo has his work cut out trying to discover what exactly happened and what Colby, Dean and Bella are covering up. Are you back permanently? I'm not sure yet but there are conversations happening about that. The main focus right now is the murder case story arc, but Angelo's wife will be introduced eventually which brings some more drama. It's been great coming back and working with the cast, old and new. It automatically feels like coming home. Visit our dedicated Home and Away page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Home and Away introduces Evan's secret twin brother - Cameron Daddo on shock return
"I hope the viewers buy it!" says the actor.
As Summer Bay grieves for Evan Slater the residents feel like they've seen a ghost when a man identical to the late musician comes to town, who turns out to be his long-lost twin brother Owen - played by the same actor, Cameron Daddo! "I had no idea this was in the works!" the popular Australian performer tells RadioTimes.com, speaking exclusively about the surprise Home and Away twist that sees him return to the cast on Friday 18th September, two months after Evan was killed off. "It came from the fact we were all having an enjoyable time working together and the writers realised there was more story to tell. "They came up with this idea that Evan has an identical twin and asked if I wanted to do it. I said 'Sure, let's go!'" Daddo's guest stint as the estranged dad of teenager Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich) touched the audience's heartstrings as father and son bonded in the shadow of Evan's terminal illness. Evan also established a deep connection with Ryder's aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker), only for the relationships to be cut tragically short when the character left the Bay to die off screen. "There was great chemistry between Lukas and myself, and with Georgie and also Ray Meagher (Alf Stewart). We thought let's not throw this opportunity away, let's build a new story around what it would be like to find out if your life is not what you thought it was." Owen's arrival is set to stir up difficult emotions for Ryder and Roo, who are still grieving for Evan, and the new/old face also has a lot to process as he meets the relatives he never knew he had. "He was adopted and his parents are dead so he can't ask them any questions about his biological family, and why he was separated from his sibling. "Owen finds out he's got a twin, now a nephew, and his nephew has this aunt who is very attractive…" grins Daddo. "They are also the people he needs to fill in the blanks about his brother, so things evolve that way as Owen finds his place in the Bay. "I'm treating the two characters as very different individuals," explains the star, on the topic of playing the twin roles. "Evan was a free spirit whereas Owen had a more traditional upbringing. Given they had no knowledge of each other, there was no crossover. Obviously I'm playing them both so viewers might see behavioural similarities. My brothers are twins and their mannerisms are exactly the same! "I was still playing Evan when I knew Owen would be coming in, which helped. It wasn't a case of finishing Evan off and moving on to the next thing. It was a team effort, I was allowed some input into creating Owen which was very kind of the writers." Seeing as this is Home and Away, where characters have come back from the dead and been recast from one episode to the next without anyone raising an eyebrow, Daddo is hopeful the audience will accept the audacious twist. "I hope they buy it!" he grins. "It's a lovely storyline and very heartfelt, so we're hoping they go with it. There are big emotions at stake." Visit our dedicated Home and Away page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Home and Away's Emily Symons wants Donald Fisher return storyline
"I'd love to see him and Marilyn reunited" says the star.
Summer Bay legend Emily Symons has worked alongside many of Home and Away's most beloved locals in her 30 years as ditzy Marilyn Chambers, but the actress has revealed the old face she'd love to bring back the most - Donald Fisher. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, the Aussie soap favourite, who also spent seven years in Emmerdale as Woolpack landlady Louise Appleton, shared her dream to be reunited with her character's former husband, the grumpy headteacher who found unlikely love with the kooky waitress. "I would absolutely love a Don Fisher return story, that would be great," she smiles. "I don't think we'd ever get Norman Coburn back, though. Fisher was a very funny and charming character, and it would be really nice to see him and Marilyn together again as they are now - but not necessarily romantically. "I'm not even sure if they're meant to be in touch on the show, but I bet they're still friends and I can imagine them catching up over a cup of tea or something. Plus he's also still good mates with Alf so he could visit him as well. It's a very old school reference, as are most of my references!" 'Flathead' Fisher was among the soap's original cast when it began in 1988 and remained a regular until 2003. He returned for a few guest appearances, the last of which was in 2007, and veteran actor Coburn retired the following year. Don's brittle, strait-laced exterior softened when he fell for younger woman Maz and in 1996 the pair tied the knot. Sadly, their fairy-tale romance hit the rocks when their baby son Byron tragically died of cancer in 1998 and grief-stricken Mrs Fisher left the Bay shortly afterwards. View oEmbed on the source website The estranged couple unexpectedly ran into each other in London in 2001 and finally found closure as they confronted their painful past. They saw each other again off screen when Fisher flew to the UK when his former wife was battling cancer, but by the time Marilyn returned to her old home full-time in 2010 her ex had moved away. Unfortunately, Marilyn's latest marriage has collapsed in the Bay of the present day following husband John Palmer's devastating stroke. Unable to cope with being his carer, Maz finally admits it's all over and moves out. "She's been kidding herself, soldiering on trying to make it work," sighs Symons. "John gets a live-in carer called Amber who is amazing, then he's the one who says they can't do this any more and asks Marilyn to go. It's very sad but allows her to move on and removes the burden. She literally walks out with one pink wheelie bag, it's so sad. "They've been through so much and it's a shame they can't fix it. I guess from Marilyn being in the siege and having PTSD to John's stroke, it's been a slippery slope." Homeless and feeling adrift now she and John are no more, Marilyn is taken in by old friends Alf Stewart and daughter Roo Stewart, which Symons says gives her alter ego a new direction - and some welcome light relief. "She moves into the Summer Bay House and it's a really happy place to be. Once we get the terribly sad scenes of her break-up with John out of the way we see a bit of the old Marilyn, it's been super fun. "As for her and John I don't think there's any hope for a reunion at this point. There is a lot of healing to be done, and he needs to recover and go back to as normal a life as possible so they can both move forward. We'll see Marilyn gain strength from supporting Roo who has a big, emotional story coming up. Being a good friend allows her to find a new purpose." Visit our dedicated Home and Away page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Home and Away star says fans warned her Jasmine will steal Tori's baby
Penny MacNamee on Tori's parenting nightmare.
Tori Morgan (Penny MacNamee) almost lost her baby girl Grace when she went missing recently, but the biggest threat to the safety of the Home and Away doctor's daughter is actually her disturbed best friend. Is Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost) really plotting to snatch her stepdaughter away from Tori? "I've been stopped in the street by fans saying 'You better watch out, Jasmine is totally going to steal your baby!'" says MacNamee, speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com. "Tori knows Jasmine is going through a rough time, she's been widowed and suffered a phantom pregnancy. She's been there for her and realises she has a special connection to Grace, who's father was Jasmine's late husband Robbo. But for a long time she didn't think there was anything sinister going on." Viewers have seen Jasmine's worrying bond with Grace deepen to unhealthy levels, and witnessed her posing as the kid's mother in an online parents' forum and subtly gaslight Tori into thinking she's a bad parent, while secretly seeking legal advice about her rights over the newborn. "When Grace was snatched, Tori blamed herself for leaving her in the car before it got stolen," explains MacNamee. "She felt so guilty and like a terrible parent, and agreed when Jasmine took her to task over it. It's not until the photo shoot at the gym that Tori gets really suspicious." An advertising campaign for the local gym showed Jasmine happily posing with Grace as if the child was hers, which struck Tori as inappropriate and finally set off alarm bells. "She thinks it's out of line and not what they discussed, but Jas does a good job of convincing Tori she has misunderstood the situation and makes her paranoid and doubt herself. It's creepy, Jasmine is subtly discrediting her." Now the extent of Jasmine's gaslighting has been exposed to the whole of Summer Bay, Tori wrestles with her conscience - should she help her traumatised mate, who is clearly in dire need of professional help for her mental health, or protect her baby? "It becomes clear to Tori she wasn't being paranoid, Jasmine has been manipulating her, and as soon as she realises the tiger mum comes out and she knows Grace has to come first - so Tori takes out a restraining order against Jasmine to keep her away from her daughter. "She's tried to be a good, supportive friend but doing this is what's right for Grace in this situation. As soon as she sees evidence on the forum Jasmine is pretending to be Grace's mum, she can see she's trying to steal her away. Tori has given Jasmine lots of chances, but now she needs to protect her child." A confrontation ensues on Friday 14th August which, as MacNamee somewhat mildly puts it: "Doesn't go well! Jasmine tries to flip it on Tori that she's a bad friend and is punishing her. In the moment Tori feels bad but doesn't relinquish the power. She needs to take out an official apprehended violence order (AVO in Australian law) even though it could potentially destroy the friendship." Principled medic Tori isn't ignoring Jasmine's issues, insists the actress. "She wants her to recover and be in Grace's life as a stepmother, and sees how much trauma she has endured. Throughout the AVO period Tori feels guilty and sad for her friend and is willing her to come out of this. As a doctor she has an awareness of mental health and the contacts to get help." Unfortunately, Jasmine feels so persecuted she flees the Bay on Tuesday 18th August to stay with her in-laws indefinitely. Is there any way back for the friends now? "Tori feels awful at driving her out of town," sighs MacNamee. "She still wants to be Jasmine's support network and work towards having a healthy relationship with Grace, so feels terrible about her leaving. "Ultimately there will be a resolution, and I think it's probably the one everybody would like it to be. Hopefully I won't have to spend so many scenes arguing about whether or not Jasmine is trying to nick my baby - there's been a lot of that!" Visit our dedicated Home and Away page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Ex-Home and Away star talks potential Hugo and Martha return
Bernard Curry is up for reuniting with Jodi Anasta now she's left Neighbours.
They were one of Home and Away's most memorable couples, but a decade after Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry) and Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Anasta) were forced to flee Summer Bay from people trafficking gangsters could a return be on the cards for the pair? In an exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com, Curry, currently starring in hit Australian drama Wentworth Prison, which returns for an eight season on 5STAR on Wednesday 5th August, reflects on his Home and Away stint and reckons it's time to find out what the dangerous duo are up to now, especially as co-star Anasta has just quit her role as Neighbours' Elly Conway and is available again. "I still see Jodi every now and again," he tells us. "It's always great to catch up with her. I do wonder if our characters, Hugo and Martha, are still together after they went on the run. They certainly had a great connection. "He faked his death to go into witness protection, then came back to find her and they escaped together - they shared something quite deep with each other. I'd like to think they're still happy!" Curry has enjoyed a successful career since his breakthrough role on rival soap Neighbours as Luke Handley in the mid-1990s, and has reached a global audience as Wentworth's sadistic officer Jake Stewart. As the jail-set drama heads to a ninth and final season, the actor says he's up for a return to either Ramsay Street or the Bay, but admits which would be his preference. View oEmbed on the source website "If I was given the opportunity I would certainly consider going back to both shows, Neighbours was a long time ago but it was a great experience and a huge learning curve. "But I had great fun playing Hugo, for similar reasons why I like playing Jake in Wentworth Prison: he had that duplicitous nature about him, and as any actor will tell you it's always more interesting to play the villain - but one who has some redemption and becomes the hero. Hugo had that redemptive arc." Anasta told us earlier this year she'd love to return to Home and Away so she could work with on-screen mum Georgie Parker, who was recast as her character's mum Roo Stewart just months after the future Elly Conway left in 2010. "That's right, Jodi and Georgie never crossed paths on screen," muses Curry. "We need to make it happen! That would be amazing. "I really enjoyed being on Home and Away. I was living with my wife in Sydney up at Bondi Beach at the time, and it was lovely to drive to the Summer Bay location at Palm Beach, go the catering truck and have lunch in the sunshine. It cheered up an ordinary afternoon at work!" Visit our dedicated Home and Away page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Season eight of Wentworth Prison starts Wednesday 5th August at 10pm on 5STAR. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Home and Away release music video for Evan's song - Cameron Daddo on the story of 'Son and Moon'
Dying dad's emotional ode to son Ryder was originally written 20 years ago.
There won't be a dry eye in Summer Bay when Evan Slater (Cameron Daddo) performs a special concert in Home and Away on Friday 17th July and dedicates a song to son Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich), who knows his father is hiding that tragic secret that he is dying. One particular song in ailing Evan's set list is about finding his long-lost son and making up for the many years he missed, and there's quite a story behind it. Daddo is an established performer in his native Australia and an accomplished musician, in addition to the acting and presenting talents he's also known for. The fact Evan is also a singer-songwriter was one of the aspects that attracted Daddo to the role, and the opportunity arose for him to use his own compositions for the character. "Evan was always written as being a musician," he tells RadioTimes.com in an exclusive interview. "The producers said they had a catalogue of songs licensed from a record company to use for Evan's music to be played in the show, and I said I have my own catalogue, having had three or four CDs on Apple Music, so why not just use my stuff? "I sent them a bunch of songs and they went for it, so when Evan performs I get to play my own material. It's awesome!" The highlight of Evan's emotional concert at Salt is the tearjerking track Son and Moon, which Daddo reveals was actually created 20 years ago. "I rewrote the song, which was originally written many years back, and made it relevant to the storyline. It's such a pretty song. I kept the first verse but wrote a new chorus and bridge. I'm really pumped with how it's turned out." So were Home and Away bosses, who have gone to the trouble of shooting a promo video and uploading it to the soap's official YouTube channel, which you can watch below. View oEmbed on the source website "Yes, we filmed a proper video with Lukas in it too. It's so cool, I'm really excited!" Absent father Evan tracked down teenage offspring Ryder last month, and had much explaining to do as to why he had never been involved with his son's life. Evan's brief relationship with Ryder's mum Quinn resulted in an unplanned pregnancy which he didn't know about at the time, as they split before she realised she was carrying his child. Years later, Evan found out he was a dad, but Quinn did not want him in their lives and raised Ryder alone. Eventually Evan came to the Bay and introduced himself to an initially sceptical Ryder, who now knows the real reason he wanted to make amends is because he is dying of a terminal illness. As the storyline lurches towards its inevitably upsetting conclusion, prepare for Son and Moon to become the soundtrack to some heartbreaking scenes... Visit our dedicated Home and Away page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Ryder learns the truth about his dying dad in Home and Away - Lukas Radovich on his angry reaction
"He's angry that Evan wasn't truthful from the beginning"
The reunion between Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich) and long-lost dad Evan Slater (Cameron Daddo) in Home and Away becomes all the more emotional as the teen finally learns the real reason his father tracked him down - he's dying. Upfront about his absence from his son's life and ready to rectify his mistakes, Evan has won Ryder round and even manages to charm the lad's grumpy granddad, Summer Bay stalwart Alf Stewart, at a family dinner in which he promises to make up for lost time with his offspring. Unable to watch her nephew being lied to, on Thursday 9th July concerned Roo Stewart reveals to Ryder what Evan told her, that he does not have long to live but doesn't want anyone to know… "Ryder was suspicious that Evan was looking for money or was in trouble and that's why he came to the Bay," says Radovich, speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com. "As soon as he begins to trust him it makes it a bigger shock when he discovers Evan is sick. He finally accepts him into his life, then realises he has been lied to." The bombshell has an understandably epic impact, but Ryder's reaction is more surprising as he tells Roo and Alf he refuses to discuss it with Evan and wants to carry on as normal. As Roo has gone behind Evan's back, he's none the wiser his son knows the truth. "Once the initial shock has gone, Ryder is angry that Evan wasn't truthful with him from the very beginning," continues Radovich, "but obviously he has to overcome that by the end of Evan's life as Ryder realises he needs to spend as much time as he can with his father before he passes away. "He speaks to his best friend Nikau Parata, who lost his own father, and he advises him to create as many memories as he can with Evan. So Ryder thinks even though Evan might not be around for very long, he needs to make it count." With no chance of a happy ending for the storyline, Radovich reflects on how meeting Evan and the inevitable loss ahead could shape his character in the future. "I think this experience will mature him in the sense that he realises how important family is and how you need to maintain connections with those who are willing to support you," he says. "After not wanting anything to do with him, at one point Ryder realises all Evan wanted was to connect with his son and to share some part, even if it's a small part, with him. "So moving forwards, Ryder will try to hold onto the relationships he has with his friends and family, and to cherish them as much as he can." In heartbreaking scenes, father and son continue to bond without addressing the elephant in the room, and Ryder asks musician Evan to play a concert for the locals at Salt hoping to make it a special event they can share. Tragically avoiding the truth, how long can they go without acknowledging Evan's declining health? And just how long has Evan got left? Visit our dedicated Home and Away page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Tragic secret revealed in Home and Away as Evan admits he's dying
Cameron Daddo on emotional twist for Ryder's long-lost dad.
It's been a tough couple of weeks for Home and Away teen Ryder Jackson, who had his world turned upside down when his estranged dad Evan Slater (Cameron Daddo) rocked up unannounced in Summer Bay, but as father and son attempt to build bridges a shock revelation is set to complicate matters further - Evan is dying. The emotional admission on Monday 29th June comes after suspicious Ryder questions his parent as to why he's waited all these years to be part of his life, having had no contact until a few weeks ago. Alone with Ryder's aunt, Roo Stewart, Evan eventually confesses the real reason he tracked him down… "It's not until Evan is faced with his own mortality that he thought about getting to know his son," says acclaimed Australian performer Daddo, speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com. "He had a relationship with Ryder's mum, Quinn, when they were both very young. It didn't work out and Evan didn't know Quinn found out she was pregnant after they split up. "He got the news much later on. His son was never far from his mind but as time went on, Quinn made things more difficult and it was obvious she did not want to be found, so he gave up on the idea. Until now." Opening up to a stunned Roo, Evan insists he doesn't want Ryder knowing the father he's just found won't be around for much longer. "He wants Ryder to get to know him without having the fact he is sick being in the way," explains Daddo. "Ryder would feel forced to have a relationship with Evan, whereas Evan wants his son to want to spend time with him. He does not want Ryder to know he's dying." Stuck in a awkward position, Roo agrees to keep his counsel - for now - but is adamant Evan faces the music and tells Ryder himself after the long-lost relatives' falling out. Unfortunately, Evan can't bring himself to do it and instead throws himself at Ryder's mercy and begs for another chance. Ryder agrees, and the pair take small steps to forming some kind of bond - but when Roo learns her nephew's parent failed to come clean, she confronts him. "Roo has been through her own experiences of grieving for a lost parent, as she spent most of her life believing her mother Martha had died," continues Daddo. "She has a perspective on this from her issues that could help persuade Ryder to cut Evan some slack." For the moment, Ryder remains unaware of the tragic truth. It feels horribly inevitable everything will be out in the open at some point, although Daddo hopes viewers can understand his alter ego's perspective. "Evan is a very straight-down-the-line guy. He wants to get to know his son and explain why he hasn't been there for him during his life. The only thing out of alignment is him not being truthful about his illness, but he has his reasons." Visit our dedicated Home and Away page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Home and Away newcomer reveals surprising real-life link to Neighbours
Cameron Daddo has a connection to rival Aussie soap.
There's a mixed reception in Summer Bay for newcomer Evan Slater, long-lost father of Ryder Jackson. Arriving out of the blue, Evan leaves Ryder reeling when he introduces himself and sparks off a huge storyline for the confused Home and Away teen. Playing the absent parent is Cameron Daddo, acclaimed Australian actor, presenter and musician. Evan is his first foray into soap, but Daddo's brother Lochie was once a regular in rival show Neighbours - remember Stephen Gottlieb from the early 1990s? Actually, Daddo himself doesn't… "It's terrible but I never saw him in Neighbours!" he laughs, speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com. "I was living in the US when he did that. I'm not sure how it all ended for his character, and Lochie didn't give me any tips about going into a soap. We didn't discuss it!" Admittedly it was a while ago and is pretty niche: sweet-natured record shop owner Stephen had a whirlwind romance with Phoebe Bright, pregnant by dead lover Todd Landers, and the pair married and settled down with her baby girl Hope. Over a dramatic year, from 1992 to 1993, Stephen and Phoebe had a psychotic lodger who tried to wreck their marriage, Stephen was paralysed after an explosion at the Waterhole pub, but learnt to walk again and left Erinsborough with his wife and stepdaughter. The character was mentioned during the nostalgia-steeped 35th anniversary earlier this year, when Stephen's brother Mark Gottlieb, who returned to marry old flame Lucy Robinson, updated the locals on his sibling: turns out Stephen and Phoebe now have five kids… Cameron's Home and Away character will turn the town upside down, as he meets his son for the first time. "Evan didn't know he even had a son until shortly after Ryder was born," explains the actor. "Ryder's mum Quinn (Alf Stewart's daughter) tried to get in contact but made it difficult and didn't want to be found. "Evan and Quinn were both young, he wanted to pursue a musical career and go overseas, but she didn't want to live that life. They split and he left not realising she was pregnant, and she didn't want him to know. He eventually got the news much later on. "His son was never far from his mind but as times went on it became more difficult to find him and he gave up on the idea. Until now…" Just to make things really awkward, Evan leaves a message with Quinn that he's looking for Ryder, but when he rocks up it's clear there's been a breakdown in communication. "The message is not passed on and it becomes apparent that Ryder has no idea his dad is in town looking for him. Evan has to make a very cold introduction, so you can imagine how that is met. There's disbelief, and once it's confirmed with a call to his mum, Ryder is angry and wants to know where this man has been all his life!" Of course there is more to the story yet to be revealed, and fans should prepare for some emotional twists in the coming weeks. For now, a tentative bond is formed thanks to Ryder's aunt Roo Stewart who tries to convince her relative to hear his dad out. "Roo comes to the rescue," says Daddo. "She encourages Ryder to give him a shot. He's not here to wreck anyone's life, he just wants to get to know his son. Evan is a pretty straight, down the line guy, but there is something he's hiding…" Visit our dedicated Home and Away page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Home and Away newcomer on being part of soap's first indigenous Maori family
"There is a pressure to get it right" says Ethan Browne.
The Paratas have already made a big impact in Summer Bay, and the arrival of Ari and Gemma's bad boy brother Tane completes the chaotic clan - Home and Away's first indigenous Maori family. Newcomer Ethan Browne, who plays tearaway Tane, praises the Australian soap for addressing diversity among the ensemble, but admits to feeling pressure in the portrayal. "There is pressure to get it right as you're representing a specific group of people and that's a big part of who we are," he says, speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com. "I think it's a positive step whenever culture or diversity is implemented and I hope it opens doors for more indigenous culture and cultural stories, and more diverse characters. "I'm representing all indigenous cultures I feel, and doing this for all of them." All the actors playing on-screen relatives had input into bringing the Paratas to life, reveals Browne. "We worked together closely as all four of us are Maori and have grown up in a Maori home and with a Maori upbringing. "We did our best to bring our own experiences to the table and talk to the writers and producers about how we conduct our lives and rituals, everyone has been so open to it. And we also have a Maori adviser onboard to help the writers, so everything is as accurate as possible." Tough guy Tane's relationship with big brother Ari is fractious to say the least, due to the complicated familial history. "They have different viewpoints," says Browne. "Tane is about 10 years younger and watched Ari and his older brother Makaere, now deceased, live a life of crime and Tane naturally followed in their footsteps. "Ari went to prison for about eight years and comes out a changed man, by this time Tane has grown up and is making a good living out of criminal activity himself! Ari tries to tell him what to do and how to live his life, but Tane thinks he has no right. "There's also tension with Ari's son Nikau, who Tane has a special bond with - Ari is scared he's going to lead him astray. Gemma is more like a mother than a sister to Tane so they are also close." As Tane organises a home for the whole family to live in, the stage is set for a battle between the siblings to be head of the clan. "As they've been living in a car and staying on the Palmers' sofa, Tane is disappointed Ari hasn't provided like he should have. This prompts him to think 'I'll do it if you can't!' So they clash over that. "He also eyes up Mackenzie, who is dating his brother. Another way for him to make a stand against Ari!" Browne warns this is just the beginning of Tane's antagonistic antics which are set to spice up the sleepy coastal town, but insists like any hot-headed Home and Away bad boy there's an decent bloke beneath the brooding and biceps… "Tane is very determined and a bit of a rebel, though deep down he's good-hearted and a family-orientated guy. But he is definitely going to stir up trouble. Mostly with Ari!" Visit our dedicated Home and Away page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Home and Away's Sam Frost on Jasmine's "dark, slippery slope" after tragic baby twist
Sam Frost discusses her character's downward spiral.
Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost) was just starting to deal with her grief for dead husband Robbo, taking comfort in the fact she was expecting his child. Unfortunately there is tragic news for the Home and Away widow when her first scan reveals there is no baby - Jasmine was never pregnant… "The idea she was having Robbo's baby gave her so much hope," begins Frost, speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com. "They planned a family before he died and feeling like he would live on was a positive way of getting through her grief." Sadly, on Monday 8th June the ultrasound confirms that Jasmine has had a phantom pregnancy, and the news sends her spiralling into utter despair and exacerbates the pain of losing Robbo. In the days that follow, Jas begins to lose her grip on reality and is found by close friend Tori Morgan who stops her from walking into the sea fully clothed. "That is just the beginning of her downward spiral," sighs Frost. "It continues and it's a really dark, slippery slope downwards which lasts a long time. I've been crying so much, it's been exhausting but I felt honoured and trusted to be given such dramatic material. "I feel very emotionally connected to Jazzy and feel everything she feels. I really wanted to do the story and the show proud and am extremely thankful." Jasmine then begins to bury her bubbling emotions by insisting to friends she's fine, while slowly developing an unhealthy obsession with Tori's baby girl Grace, Robbo's daughter conceived by the platonic pals through IVF. It's the biggest challenge yet for Frost - Home and Away is her first professional acting job, having found fame as a reality star in her native Australia on shows including The Bachelorette and Hell's Kitchen. "This is a huge turning point for Jas and for me in my career. I didn't know I could do it, it's an important part of my personal story as an actor. "I lost my stepdad eight years ago and we still talk about him all the time - I like how Jasmine talks about Robbo which is important going forward when you lose someone. I think we are telling this story of grief really truthfully, and it's quite raw as well." Frost has already opened up publicly about her own struggles with mental health, which she channelled into Jasmine's complex emotions in some of the more difficult scenes. "I work a lot with my psychologist and I'd like to think I'm on top of my own feelings," she says candidly. "I'm pretty self-aware and know how to manage my highs and lows. But because I'm playing a character it can make you more emotional, some days you have to dig deep to a vulnerable place from your own life. "It's really challenging and you have to shake it off and move on. I find it cathartic to draw upon my own experiences and tell my story through Jasmine in a way. "I understand how she is on this toward spiral, everyone thinks she's crazy and I know that feeling all too well. I feel defensive and protective of her and the storyline because of what happened to me. "I admire our writers and producers for telling the story properly and not sensationalising it when Jasmine starts acting out of the ordinary." Visit our dedicated Home and Away page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Can steamy affairs in soaps still work now actors can't kiss?
The lack of physical contact is a big challenge for producers in the new normal.
Soaps are slowly getting back to business after lockdown and while safety of cast and crew is top priority for the production teams, social distancing rules will inevitably impact the way continuing dramas tell a story - especially when it comes to intimate relationships. How can you convincingly portray a passionate, forbidden affair between two characters when the actors are not allowed near each other? It's one of the numerous challenges facing producers as the soaps return to filming within strict new government guidelines. Navigating the complete absence of intimacy in the new normal means no kissing, no cuddling, in fact nothing that requires anything other than the requisite two-metre distance between cast members. Does this mean the end of the affairs that soap are so famous for? "We'll have lots of looks of intent, people edging towards each other but backing away, and scenes starting off with shirts being tucked in," reveals Emmerdale's executive producer Jane Hudson, speaking this week about how the ITV soap is adapting to changes in the age of coronavirus. "It doesn't mean there won't be affairs, although it's fair to say some stories we might hold back on slightly for the moment. We wanted to do a big, steamy affair later this year and we have got one coming up that we're too far down the line with to change, we're too committed. "Yes it is going to be a challenge how we make it work, but our job is to come up with ways of telling stories. But tackling scenes where there should be intimacy is our most challenging area now, that's for sure." Hudson talks of a two-metre retractable pole that has been employed on set to maintain the necessary distance, and also reveals a 'smoke and mirrors' approach to make actors playing characters living in the same fictional household look as if they are closer than they actually are. "You'll be amazed by the lockdown episodes as you won't notice the two metres," she enthuses. "There are clever camera tricks you can do. There is a lot of choreography on set, our director Ian Bevitt is a genius." Producer Laura Shaw admits there will be less initial focus on moments requiring charged physical intimacy, be it hot hook-ups or an angry bust-up, and that the six lockdown scripts have a stripped-back feel focusing on life's minutiae rather than big blockbuster material. "It will be interesting for the audience to see these characters going about their day-to-day lives, struggling to navigate the uncharted waters of this situation as they themselves are. "Fans are used to seeing them playing in bigger storylines, but we'll see how they cope with the day-to-day ups and downs, discovering more about each other and themselves and how they deal with this massive change of landscape." Australian counterpart Neighbours was the first English-speaking soap in the world to resume filming within the global pandemic, unintentionally providing the blueprint for the rest of the world. A recent set tour conducted by the cast and released online showed on-screen couple April Rose Pengilly and Tim Robards showing how shooting one half of a two-way conversation in a full-length mirror can give the illusion characters are kissing, possibly one of the tactics Hudson has nabbed for Emmerdale's upcoming scandalous fling. "We haven't scrapped any major storylines," insists Jason Herbison, Neighbours' executive producer. "But we are approaching filming differently. We've reimagined scenes that include intimacy, so viewers will start to see the occasional creative camera angle. "So we have adapted our style, but the hardest part about filming under the guidelines and the biggest thing to overcome is that non-physical contact with the cast." Lucy Addario, series producer of Neighbours' Aussie rival Home and Away, says storylines were reviewed in light of government guidelines upon reopening the Sydney set at the end of May, but also echoes Hudson's comment on how embracing the restrictions may lead to more inventive methods of communicating passion without anyone locking lips. "We have some of our most exciting and inventive storylines coming up," says the soap boss. "The way we have approached bringing these stories to life has been reworked and modified for maximum protection of our wonderful cast and crew. "They have all been involved in the process of creating safety solutions and forming boundaries the work for everyone." So necessary plans are in place, but it remains to be seen how soap's next big fling may or may not suffer. The meticulous but flexible production model means the genre can easily adapt to changing circumstances, the question is whether viewers will invest in furtive glances in the absence of a huge, slobbering snog. The moment where two people give into a secret mutual desire, usually behind their respective partners' backs, and seal a build-up of sexual tension with a kiss is a key plot driver - there's no coming back from a smack on the lips and it officially declares the affair is on. Here's hoping soaps can still successfully deliver our fix of betrayal, infidelity and doomed, destructive romances. Provided it's from a safe distance, of course… Visit our dedicated Emmerdale, Neighbours and Home and Away pages for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Ziggy finds out who her real dad is: "Her whole life is built on a lie" says Home and Away's Sophie Dillman
It's the moment of truth for Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman) in Home and Away this week as the mechanic finally learns the identity of her biological father. Recent revelations from mum Maggie confirmed she'd had a one-night stand with sleazy brother-in-law Marco many years ago after a row with future husband Ben, which put a question mark over Ziggy's paternity as she was born nine months after her mother and uncle's secret hook-up. "Ziggy feels betrayed," Dillman tells RadioTimes.com in an exclusive interview. "She is totally heartbroken, she models her life around this loving family and parents she aspires to be like - but there is a massive lie in the middle of it. She is so close to Ben it kills her that he might not be her father, it's made her feel a bit lost and definitely thrown a spanner in the works." This particular skeleton has only come creeping out of the closet because Marco showed up in Summer Bay unannounced, and started blackmailing Maggie for money he needed for a business deal. With her hand forced, the terrified teacher confessed her fling to her stunned family. "Technically I guess it wasn't cheating," muses Dillman. "Ben ended things with Maggie, she slept with Marco and the next day Ben told Maggie he wanted her back and they got married almost straight after that. Then very soon after she fell pregnant with Ziggy… "Maggie chose Ben and it's all been hunky dory but she and Marco have kept it secret all this time. Initially Ziggy doesn't want to do a paternity test, Ben will always be her dad no matter what, but as time has gone on she just needs to clear the air so now they're finding out for sure - and she has to deal with the consequences of that piece of paper." Thankfully, the results confirm she is in fact Ben's biological daughter, which Dillman describes as a "huge sigh of relief". However, this doesn't mean the end of the drama as Maggie is still frozen out by the rest of her relatives who can't forgive her for sitting on this lie for almost 20 years. It's one of the biggest challenges yet for the tight-knit clan who have already faced cancer, depression and financial strife since moving to the Bay in 2017. "The Astonis have gone through so much," sighs Dillman. "They are a tight unit and nothing can break them, they love each other and are in it together no matter how hard things get. "What makes it even more difficult is that Marco sticks around after ruining everything - you'd think he'd take the hint and go! I think he's desperate for some form of redemption, he's landed Ben in trouble before so there is already tension between them. Is he still in love with Maggie? Who knows, but he's definitely there for some reason and he's not going away yet…" Visit our dedicated Home and Away page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.