It’s difficult not to smile when sitting down for a chat with two of Home and Away’s most engaging stars, Lynne McGranger and Courtney Miller. While their alter-egos Irene and Bella have had some famously fiery clashes, the talented pair clearly get along brilliantly when the director calls cut.
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And that’s been the case ever since acting newcomer Courtney joined the Summer Bay fold last year. As the young star reveals, she “hit it off with Lynnie” – the show’s longest-serving female cast member – from day one.
This week, Irene and Bella find themselves at the centre of one of the show’s most gripping – and indeed important – storylines involving Bella’s online ‘friend’.
Here, Lynne and Courtney share their thoughts on their real-life bond, as well as the must-see episode.
You obviously really enjoy working together …
Lynne: We do. It’s lovely.
Courtney: I just adore Lynnie!
I always get a big hug in the morning. For me, having Lynne, who has been on the show for so long and me being so new, has been wonderful. She has always had time for me, and has just taken me under her wing and is so patient.
Courtney, has Lynne been a mentor to you?
Absolutely. She’s never, ever negative and that is very enlightening. I’ve learnt from her that it’s so important to keep it positive.
What’s the best piece of advice Lynne’s given you?
She’s taught me a lot of grammar!
Lynne: [Laughs] And silly sayings! Like ‘Unreal, banana peel!’ But we just really enjoy talking together – I don’t think I’ve consciously given Courtney specific advice. We support each other and it’s lovely. We can all muck around on set and carry on and be silly at times, but Courtney has that ability to go ‘OK, let’s focus now’ and just get on with it.
Lynne, do you feel that Courtney truly has her feet on the ground?
Oh, unbelievably so! She is such a delight to work with. In some respects, she reminds me a little of some other young actors I’ve worked with over the years. Courtney has an old head on young shoulders and is so grounded. She’s 23 going on 40 – but in a good way! She knows that it’s about not getting swept up in the ‘glamour’ of the job, because you find out real quick that it ain’t glamorous.
Lynne, you’ve worked with so many talented young stars on the show over the decades. Are you still in touch with some of them?
Absolutely. Johnny [Ruffo, who played Chris] and I are still wonderful mates. Going way back, I really loved working with Kristy Wright [Chloe] and also with Jess Tovey [Belle], whom I have to say from the onset Courtney has reminded me of. And I still touch base with Tempany Deckert [Selina], Tina Thomsen [Finlay] and Mat Stevenson [Adam]. You don’t have to see everyone every week or even every month, but it really is like a family on the show.
Lynne, how did you feel when Courtney received her first Logie nomination this year?
Oh, I was so proud of her! Ray [Meagher] and the show usually get one, and that’s really nice, but when this one got one, I thought ‘That’s so exciting!’.
Courtney: Lynnie sent me a beautiful text when I got the nomination.
Lynne: I have absolutely no doubt that the sky is the limit for Courtney. Courtney is beautiful – the camera loves her – and, at such a young age, she has such a beautiful nuance with her acting and an instinct that you can’t learn or buy.
This week, the storyline between Bella and her online friend Tommy takes a truly harrowing turn.
Courtney: It’s an incredibly important storyline and one I really wanted to do justice to. It challenged me as an actor, and it was a great opportunity to bring a serious issue to the forefront.
WATCH: Behind the Scenes of Home & Away’s couples shoot
For more, see this week’s New Idea, out now!
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