Do you feel quite maternal to Olivia and Will in real life?
I do – I feel incredibly protective of them.
Who was your on-set mentor when you first began on Home and Away almost 30 years ago?
Judy Nunn [who played Ailsa] was always a great role model and mentor for me. Before Home and Away, when I worked on [the series] Richmond Hill at 17 and 18, Paula Duncan was a wonderful mentor and incredibly kind and nurturing to me. I do remember what it was like when I first started out – it was a very overwhelming, daunting prospect to be working full-time in professional television. I hope that I can now give the young actors on the show some support and good advice to move forward, and make their day a little bit easier.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give Olivia and Will?
Just to stay their wonderful, funny and free-spirited selves.
Olivia and Will, what do you love most about working with Emily?
Olivia: Emily’s just a wonderful mentor to me. She’s always been really helpful and if I’ve ever had any problems I’ve always been able to talk to her. She’s also got such an incredible work ethic – and that’s really taught me professionalism. She’s been such a big influence in my life.
Will: Emily and I have worked together for so long. We have a wonderful rapport and respect for one another, and that makes it easier to do storylines that are more emotionally taxing.
The first time Jett met Marilyn, he was still living on the streets and mugged Marilyn! Since then, we have shared so many laughs and had so many special moments working together.
HOME AND AWAY airs Mon. to Thu., 7pm.
