Home and Away star claims show has lost its 'essence'
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For many, the television soap Home and Away has been a staple of evening entertainment since its inception in 1988.
The show, set in the fictional coastal town of Summer Bay, has become an iconic part of Aussie culture, with its gripping storylines and relatable characters.
However, according to one of the show's most enduring stars who plays the beloved Alf Stewart, the essence of what made Home and Away so special has been lost over the years.
In a candid interview, Ray Meagher expressed his concerns that the show has strayed far from the original vision of a close-knit seaside community, which focused on the Fletcher family and their foster children.
This premise, which resonated with many viewers, has been overshadowed by a shift towards more sensational and crime-focused storylines.
The introduction of the River Boys in 2011 marked a significant change in the show's direction.
The trio, portrayed by actors Lincoln Younes, Steve Peacocke, and Dan Ewing, brought a darker element to Summer Bay with their tough demeanours and penchant for trouble.
While this period was undoubtedly popular, Meagher questions whether it truly reflected the spirit of the Bay.
'I mean, that was just a great period. But was it Summer Bay?' Meagher asked.
'In my humble opinion, not to that extent.'
Meagher acknowledged that a bit of 'sex, drugs, and rock and roll' can add excitement to a show, but he felt that these elements were introduced in 'too big of a dose'.
This has transformed Home and Away into something unrecognisable from its family-oriented roots.
Despite his criticisms, Meagher's commitment to the show remains strong.
He recently renewed his contract, ensuring that he will continue to grace our screens as Alf Stewart until at least 2027.
Reflecting on his initial scepticism when he first joined the cast, Meagher is now an integral part of the show's legacy, having become one of Australia's most recognisable and cherished soap stars.
'We’d done the pilot, and to be honest, I was older and more cynical, and was convinced it would crash and burn like most [shows] do,' he said.
Meagher also touched on the importance of diversity and representation in Home and Away.
He advocated for better LGBTQ+ representation among the cast, saying, 'Having spent a goodly period in [Priscilla, Queen of the Desert] here and in London, NZ and Brisbane—a year and a half probably. It’d be nice to have a…gay character come into the Bay. That would be good.'
'However, how many of them do we have in Summer Bay? There would definitely be a percentage, whether they’re above the ground or underground, still in a town like the Bay.'
Meagher emphasised the need for authentic representation that mirrors real life rather than a sudden influx of diverse characters that can feel forced and unreflective of a genuine community.
Members, do you agree with Ray Meagher's sentiments? What changes would you like to see in Summer Bay? Share your opinions and memories of the show with us, and let's reminisce about the golden days of Home and Away together.
The show, set in the fictional coastal town of Summer Bay, has become an iconic part of Aussie culture, with its gripping storylines and relatable characters.
However, according to one of the show's most enduring stars who plays the beloved Alf Stewart, the essence of what made Home and Away so special has been lost over the years.
In a candid interview, Ray Meagher expressed his concerns that the show has strayed far from the original vision of a close-knit seaside community, which focused on the Fletcher family and their foster children.
This premise, which resonated with many viewers, has been overshadowed by a shift towards more sensational and crime-focused storylines.
Ray Meagher shared that Home and Away has shifted away from its original vision. Image source: Prime Video.
The introduction of the River Boys in 2011 marked a significant change in the show's direction.
The trio, portrayed by actors Lincoln Younes, Steve Peacocke, and Dan Ewing, brought a darker element to Summer Bay with their tough demeanours and penchant for trouble.
While this period was undoubtedly popular, Meagher questions whether it truly reflected the spirit of the Bay.
'I mean, that was just a great period. But was it Summer Bay?' Meagher asked.
'In my humble opinion, not to that extent.'
Meagher acknowledged that a bit of 'sex, drugs, and rock and roll' can add excitement to a show, but he felt that these elements were introduced in 'too big of a dose'.
This has transformed Home and Away into something unrecognisable from its family-oriented roots.
Despite his criticisms, Meagher's commitment to the show remains strong.
He recently renewed his contract, ensuring that he will continue to grace our screens as Alf Stewart until at least 2027.
Reflecting on his initial scepticism when he first joined the cast, Meagher is now an integral part of the show's legacy, having become one of Australia's most recognisable and cherished soap stars.
'We’d done the pilot, and to be honest, I was older and more cynical, and was convinced it would crash and burn like most [shows] do,' he said.
Meagher also touched on the importance of diversity and representation in Home and Away.
He advocated for better LGBTQ+ representation among the cast, saying, 'Having spent a goodly period in [Priscilla, Queen of the Desert] here and in London, NZ and Brisbane—a year and a half probably. It’d be nice to have a…gay character come into the Bay. That would be good.'
'However, how many of them do we have in Summer Bay? There would definitely be a percentage, whether they’re above the ground or underground, still in a town like the Bay.'
Meagher emphasised the need for authentic representation that mirrors real life rather than a sudden influx of diverse characters that can feel forced and unreflective of a genuine community.
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