Radio Times
type: channel
link: https://www.radiotimes.com
date: 2026-04-27T09:41:57.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Home and Away spoilers as Alf Stewart faces trouble amid health concerns thanks to new cop Richie
items: Home and Away confirms return of fan-favourites 10 years after exit for "epic" event
items: Axle Whitehead issues three-word response to potential Home and Away return
items: Home and Away confirmed for major UK broadcasting change in "natural next step"
items: Home & Away’s Lynne McGranger on why she quit after 32 years as Irene – and what the future holds
items: Home and Away to bring back iconic couple after 10 years for "landmark event"
items: Home and Away icon reveals character is "terrified" ahead of tragic exit after 33 years
items: Home and Away icon's tragic exit storyline confirmed as character leaves after 33 years
items: EastEnders favourite 'to make soap world return with Home and Away role'
items: Home and Away marks 35th anniversary with reruns on new TV channel
items: Home and Away actor and singer Johnny Ruffo dies, aged 35
items: Who are the longest-serving actors in soap?
items: Home and Away safe on Channel 5 until makers decide to cancel it
items: Exclusive – Home and Away trailer teases Heath Braxton's upcoming return to Summer Bay
items: Home and Away cast: who's who and cast changes
items: Home and Away is going on its annual break – and it's sooner than you might think
items: Home and Away's Georgie Parker reveals her secret nickname for Ray Meagher as she celebrates 10-year anniversary
items: Luke Jacobz returns to Home and Away after 10 years, but is Angelo back for good?
items: Home and Away introduces Evan's secret twin brother - Cameron Daddo on shock return
items: Home and Away's Emily Symons wants Donald Fisher return storyline
items: Home and Away star says fans warned her Jasmine will steal Tori's baby
items: Ex-Home and Away star talks potential Hugo and Martha return
items: Home and Away release music video for Evan's song - Cameron Daddo on the story of 'Son and Moon'
items: Ryder learns the truth about his dying dad in Home and Away - Lukas Radovich on his angry reaction
items: Tragic secret revealed in Home and Away as Evan admits he's dying
items: Home and Away newcomer reveals surprising real-life link to Neighbours
items: Home and Away newcomer on being part of soap's first indigenous Maori family
items: Home and Away's Sam Frost on Jasmine's "dark, slippery slope" after tragic baby twist
items: Can steamy affairs in soaps still work now actors can't kiss?
items: Ziggy finds out who her real dad is: "Her whole life is built on a lie" says Home and Away's Sophie Dillman

Home and Away spoilers as Alf Stewart faces trouble amid health concerns thanks to new cop Richie
type: item
date: 2026-04-27T09:41:31.000Z
creator: Michael Adams
subject: Home and Away
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Channel 5
subject: News
description: A new arrival in Summer Bay!
encoded: 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 in…

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Home and Away confirms return of fan-favourites 10 years after exit for "epic" event
type: item
date: 2026-04-07T14:02:28.000Z
creator: Molly Moss
subject: Home and Away
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Channel 5
subject: News
subject: On demand
description: The couple last appeared on the show in 2016.
encoded: 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.

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Axle Whitehead issues three-word response to potential Home and Away return
type: item
date: 2025-12-30T00:01:54.000Z
creator: Katelyn Mensah
subject: Home and Away
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: News
description: Could a return to the Bay be on the cards?
encoded: 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 Bassin…

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Home and Away confirmed for major UK broadcasting change in "natural next step"
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T18:00:44.000Z
creator: Molly Moss
subject: Home and Away
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Channel 5
subject: News
subject: On demand
description: Fans will still be able to watch the soap every day.
encoded: 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.

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Home & Away’s Lynne McGranger on why she quit after 32 years as Irene – and what the future holds
type: item
date: 2025-09-22T23:01:42.000Z
creator: Johnathon Hughes
subject: Home and Away
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Exclusive
description: The Aussie soap icon exclusively looks back on her time in Summer Bay.
encoded: 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 produce…

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Home and Away to bring back iconic couple after 10 years for "landmark event"
type: item
date: 2025-08-24T09:13:47.000Z
creator: Patrick Cremona
subject: Home and Away
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: News
description: The pair last appeared on the soap in 2016.
encoded: 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 discoverin…

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Home and Away icon reveals character is "terrified" ahead of tragic exit after 33 years
type: item
date: 2025-07-08T09:45:50.000Z
creator: Katelyn Mensah
subject: Home and Away
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: News
description: Irene receives some devastating news.
encoded: 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, hea…

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Home and Away icon's tragic exit storyline confirmed as character leaves after 33 years
type: item
date: 2025-07-03T14:13:21.000Z
creator: David Craig
subject: Home and Away
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Channel 5
subject: News
description: Irene faces incredibly challenging times ahead.
encoded: 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 …

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EastEnders favourite 'to make soap world return with Home and Away role'
type: item
date: 2024-11-23T20:14:09.000Z
creator: Morgan Cormack
subject: Home and Away
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Channel 5
subject: News
description: The EastEnders legend has landed her next soap role.
encoded: 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 Gui…

Home and Away marks 35th anniversary with reruns on new TV channel
type: item
date: 2024-01-02T14:06:41.000Z
creator: James Hibbs
subject: Home and Away
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: News
description: Classic episodes will soon start airing on new channel That's TV 2.
encoded: 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 Fr…

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Home and Away actor and singer Johnny Ruffo dies, aged 35
type: item
date: 2023-11-10T10:33:42.000Z
creator: Patrick Cremona
subject: Home and Away
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: News
description: The former X Factor Australia finalist was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2017.
encoded: 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 hea…

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Who are the longest-serving actors in soap?
type: item
date: 2023-01-31T15:30:22.000Z
creator: Stefania Sarrubba
subject: audio
subject: Coronation Street
subject: EastEnders
subject: Emmerdale
subject: Hollyoaks
subject: Home and Away
subject: Neighbours
subject: News
subject: Radio
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Some very familiar faces.
encoded: 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 m…

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Home and Away safe on Channel 5 until makers decide to cancel it
type: item
date: 2022-07-12T11:06:52.000Z
creator: James Hibbs
subject: Home and Away
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Channel 5
subject: News
subject: On demand
description: Channel 5's director of programmes Ben Frow confirmed the show's future in this week's Radio Times magazine.
encoded: 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, wh…

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Exclusive – Home and Away trailer teases Heath Braxton's upcoming return to Summer Bay
type: item
date: 2021-02-19T00:01:20.000Z
creator: Lauren Morris
subject: Home and Away
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
description: Bad boy Heath returns to Summer Bay in upcoming episodes of the Australian soap.
encoded: 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.

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height: 413

Home and Away cast: who's who and cast changes
type: item
date: 2021-01-04T14:43:21.000Z
creator: Joe Julians
subject: Home and Away
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Who makes up the current list of regulars in Summer Bay?
encoded: 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 t…

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Home and Away is going on its annual break – and it's sooner than you might think
type: item
date: 2020-11-10T11:48:58.000Z
creator: Joe Julians
subject: Home and Away
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Say goodbye to Summer Bay until 2021.
encoded: '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
type: item
date: 2020-10-26T11:01:36.000Z
creator: Johnathon Hughes
subject: Home and Away
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Exclusive
description: The star looks back on 10 years in Summer Bay as Alf Stewart's feisty daughter.
encoded: 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 wa…

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Luke Jacobz returns to Home and Away after 10 years, but is Angelo back for good?
type: item
date: 2020-09-10T05:00:00.000Z
creator: Johnathon Hughes
subject: Home and Away
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Exclusive
description: And why was the character the most hated man on TV?
encoded: 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 s…

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Home and Away introduces Evan's secret twin brother - Cameron Daddo on shock return
type: item
date: 2020-09-08T05:00:54.000Z
creator: Johnathon Hughes
subject: Home and Away
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Exclusive
description: "I hope the viewers buy it!" says the actor.
encoded: 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…

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Home and Away's Emily Symons wants Donald Fisher return storyline
type: item
date: 2020-08-25T05:00:51.000Z
creator: Johnathon Hughes
subject: Home and Away
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Exclusive
description: "I'd love to see him and Marilyn reunited" says the star.
encoded: 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 h…

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Home and Away star says fans warned her Jasmine will steal Tori's baby
type: item
date: 2020-08-13T05:00:32.000Z
creator: Johnathon Hughes
subject: Home and Away
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Exclusive
description: Penny MacNamee on Tori's parenting nightmare.
encoded: 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…

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Ex-Home and Away star talks potential Hugo and Martha return
type: item
date: 2020-08-05T16:14:19.000Z
creator: Johnathon Hughes
subject: Home and Away
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Exclusive
description: Bernard Curry is up for reuniting with Jodi Anasta now she's left Neighbours.
encoded: 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 lo…

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Home and Away release music video for Evan's song - Cameron Daddo on the story of 'Son and Moon'
type: item
date: 2020-07-17T05:00:24.000Z
creator: Johnathon Hughes
subject: Home and Away
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Dying dad's emotional ode to son Ryder was originally written 20 years ago.
encoded: 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…

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height: 1707

Ryder learns the truth about his dying dad in Home and Away - Lukas Radovich on his angry reaction
type: item
date: 2020-07-09T05:00:46.000Z
creator: Johnathon Hughes
subject: Home and Away
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: "He's angry that Evan wasn't truthful from the beginning"
encoded: 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…

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Tragic secret revealed in Home and Away as Evan admits he's dying
type: item
date: 2020-06-29T06:00:52.000Z
creator: Johnathon Hughes
subject: Home and Away
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Exclusive
description: Cameron Daddo on emotional twist for Ryder's long-lost dad.
encoded: 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 f…

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height: 1707

Home and Away newcomer reveals surprising real-life link to Neighbours
type: item
date: 2020-06-19T10:18:32.000Z
creator: Johnathon Hughes
subject: Home and Away
subject: Neighbours
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Cameron Daddo has a connection to rival Aussie soap.
encoded: 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 …

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Home and Away newcomer on being part of soap's first indigenous Maori family
type: item
date: 2020-06-17T11:18:47.000Z
creator: Johnathon Hughes
subject: Home and Away
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: "There is a pressure to get it right" says Ethan Browne.
encoded: 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…

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Home and Away's Sam Frost on Jasmine's "dark, slippery slope" after tragic baby twist
type: item
date: 2020-06-08T05:00:09.000Z
creator: Johnathon Hughes
subject: Home and Away
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: Sam Frost discusses her character's downward spiral.
encoded: 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 i…

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Can steamy affairs in soaps still work now actors can't kiss?
type: item
date: 2020-06-04T15:46:43.000Z
creator: Johnathon Hughes
subject: Emmerdale
subject: Home and Away
subject: Neighbours
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: The lack of physical contact is a big challenge for producers in the new normal.
encoded: 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.…

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Ziggy finds out who her real dad is: "Her whole life is built on a lie" says Home and Away's Sophie Dillman
type: item
date: 2020-06-03T05:00:16.000Z
creator: Johnathon Hughes
subject: Home and Away
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
description: The paternity test results are in...
encoded: 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 …

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