Since we first welcomed the newest clan from Mangrove River to the Bay, life in our favourite seaside town has been anything but dull.
WATCH BELOW: Home & Away: Mason starts his day
We’ve been riveted by the tribulations of River Boys and best mates Colby (Tim Franklin) and Dean (Patrick O’Connor), as well as Colby’s rebellious teenage sister Bella (Courtney Miller) and, more recently, Dean’s half-sister Mackenzie (Emily Weir).
And how could we not be, with the fabulous foursome involved in everything from murder and mayhem to major health scares and, of course, love dramas?
Now it’s time for Tim, Patrick, Courtney and Emily to spill all the goss – in Home and Away’s latest Christmas in Summer Bay special. Here’s a sneak peek at the Mangrove River family’s Aussie Christmas celebration.
And as host and former series favourite Jason Smith, who played Robbie Hunter, says, “Buckle up!”
The Big Issues
Over the past 12 months, Home and Away has brought some hugely important storylines to our screens, addressing everything from online grooming to mental health issues.
As Patrick reveals, there is an immense responsibility to tell such stories with truth and integrity. “There’s a real motivation to make sure that you really do a good job,” he says.
Adds Emily: “These things are so important. Being a fan of the show growing up, you learn so much about the world and social issues and relationships through this medium. It’s vital stuff.”
A Lasting Legacy
Joining Home and Away as the ‘next generation of River Boys’ was undoubtedly the opportunity of a lifetime for talented young actors Tim Franklin and Patrick O’Connor.
“Everyone is aware of the River Boys – the tats, the drama,” says Tim, to which Patrick adds: “the blood and sand”.
“It was cool coming in as two River Boys and one [Colby] was a cop,” reflects Patrick. “It really gave a good ground to start that relationship quite strongly.”
“And completely different to the originals,” adds Tim.
Meanwhile, Courtney Miller gives her take on her first unforgettable scene, in which Bella aimed a crossbow at Colby’s head before he carried her kicking and screaming to his car. And Tim reveals why the casting of Bella was particularly crucial.
As for the ‘honorary River Girl’, Salt’s feisty new restaurateur Mackenzie, her portrayer Emily Weir couldn’t have been more excited to join the fam-bam. “It was the dream role,” she says.
But as Emily candidly reveals, her hugely popular alter ego is nothing like her.
Tune in to find out why that’s the case.
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