j.laur5

In this interview Fiona confirms it was her choice to leave as she wanted to move back to Melbourne after show was going go longer then two years . So sounds like she was only planning on staying for couple of years as they all thought that’s how long it will last. That’s probably why Celia wast given much to do in her last year as they knew Fiona was not going be remaining for too much longer. Its shame as show really was lacking older characters after Celia left. I think they should of gotten other actress who was based in Sydney to play Celia as that way at least we might of Celia had for longer. I know people have said Celia run her course but only reason why she run her course because PTB wouldn’t give her storyline’s or much character development. I truly believe Celia as well as Neville and Floss and Morag has potential to stay longer but unfortunately they just didn’t use them to there full potential or give them proper character development .

Since Carly left episode on Pippa and Michael wedding who was looking after kids while Michael and Pippa were on there honeymoon?.

It's a shame because I would have preferred to keep on to Carly for a couple more years instead of getting Lucinda.

Both Vanessa and Debra did interviews a couple of years ago in New Idea around 30th anniversary and both said they have fond memory of show and both have soft spot for Kate Richie. Given Vanessa has done couple reunions with original cast on tv show where they are now ten years ago and New Idea it sounds like Vanessa still holds something to H&A and Pippa. When comes to acting on TV show and even more so on iconic show that makes you look more fondly to talk about it due to it making you Household name as i say thats what both actress are most know for. Debra said that she would return as guest but not as regular due to living in Melbourne but sadly theres not really lot reason for Pippa to return as most her returns involved Sally. Just like to add Debra said she misses more family stories but she never said she was against more dramatic stories and she understands why show needed to become more dramatic as no one wants to watch anything too simple at 7 pm anymore. But if they were to bring Pippa back in show it no doubt be Debra they asked and fair enough to given she hold role for much longer and its like if they bought back Hayley it be no doubt be Bec that would return and if they bought Alisa back in some way it no doubt be Judy playing her and only way Vanessa would return be ether new character or if they wanted Pippa back full time and Debra declined to return and they asked . Vanessa to return. of course i do realise both actress have move on to other things in life and H&A move on form Pippa days.

It's a shame Vanessa Downing never had a proper interview on her views on H&A, the reasons for leaving, her feeling on being recast after and if she ever was sorry she didn't stay longer. . But when Vanessa has done interviews with reunions with the original cast on TV show where they are now and did interview in new idea with Debra she was not asked any questions on Subject.

Oh did she?.

Same can be said about Summer Bay House as Alf let so many people move in since Sally left.

Were both Carly and Steve axed in 1991?.

That Martha is still alive.

Ruth said to Alf you didn’t stop to think tell Ailsa or one of you sisters and Alf mention that Ruth gave Ailsa hell at first . I think Ailsa probably most mentioned past oringal character.

Yes she has but briefly!.

But you can’t fix someone with Alzheimer’s though so it be hard to keep someone long term with it and not only that but I think Irene too young to get Alzheimer’s.

Finding out her Mum alive and becoming teacher.

Since Marilyn and John broken up it feels much like we have old Marilyn and actually I wouldn’t might it if they broke them up for good as just feels like both characters have more room to spared out there wigs. A year ago Marilyn and John were feeling like Tony and Rachel were ten years ago when fans were saying that it felt like they had run their course.

Hopefully her daughter Martha might return one day and not sure if there’s much potential with bringing Frank back as their marriage ended 29 years ago and Ruth hasn’t mentioned him at all I don’t think since her return. But I think once Ryder leaves then it might be the right time for Ruth to leave as Alf has got Martha to talk to now. I do like Ruth but unfortunately I just find her character too much of a spare part now.

Writing for Dean changed this year and I think preferred him when first came on show. But I guess the writing does change with characters in circumstances with storylines and the direction they take with characters.

After re watching 1989 season I noticed Morag seemed to be on her way to mellowing and becoming more like she was later on and wasn’t until her exit storyline that ruined it and also at time siding against Fletcher's in Custody battle with Sally. I can understand how PTB felt there was not much more they could done with Morag as direction show was heading towards then didn’t really suit Morag type of character. But I think they could at kept Morag around til 1990 season and had Morag leave on more positive note and return as guest in 90s.

But what have remember is that Lynne starting once they starting make Irene no longer villian and had Jacqy continue she would likely of played Irene same. When Lynne has played Irene when she has fallen of wagon couple times and Lynne was fantastic and reverted back to being nasty drunk and 2009 when she slap Annie it really felt like flash back to Jacqy days and i really think if Lynne had played her 1991 that Lynne would be just as good as evil Irene.

Started to really think Ruth has well and truly run her course!. I really do like Ruth as a character but just feel she is too much of spare part. She is just not the same exciting character she was when she first returned in 2010. I know people say the same about other long term characters but at least people like Alf/Irene/Leah feel more solid members of community.

Pippa was a lot more feisty in Debra Lawrence days in my option. She and Micheal used to quite often bad mouth Alf and were more often harsh on kids. But I think the problem was we got to used to Pippa we sure in her guest appearances from 2000-2009 and we just forgot that Pippa could be just as blunt as other parent characters after we watch her episodes as regular again on 7two. I did think it was very well written when we saw Pippa being fed up with Summer Bay life and in fact I dont think we ever had character who seemed that fed up with Summer Bay and i think what made so well written was we could understand why Pippa had enough and although episode of Pippa exit its self was awfully written.

I know Hunter may not be redeemed in the way of being a hero at anytime but I think he redeemed himself in a more realistic fashion and that he just became more nice and decent person once he had people like Leah and Zac in his life as a better example than his mother. I do realise Hunter didn't do himself any favors by keeping quiet on his actions but I think him admitting at court it was him and not Billie was a step in the right direction and Hunter was willing to go to the police earlier to admit to the fire and diner safe being stolen and Charlotte stopped him. Hunter also helped John when he collapsed and at the time when John was putting blame oh him with the fires. Hunter definitely became one of my favorite characters, he was a complex character. I really liked his brief friendship with Colby and Ryder . It's a shame it didn't last longer.

Debra never said she disagrees with the show's drama and she said that she completely understands why the show has become more dramatic. She just said she misses family issues storyline’s.

In 2009 I think they should have made her a guest role as Pippa could have stayed longer to look after the Campbell’s while Irene was in jail and then help Irene after she got out of prison not to fall back into drinking . But unfortunately Debra might not have been able to do a long guest role otherwise if Debra was able to stick around longer I think they would have had Pippa back for longer guest runs like Morag .

I feel that Colby has been very underused other than looking after his sister and a brief thing with Mackenzie. Also the only time he really interacts with other characters is to do with police work or to do with Bella.

But H&A was off air at the time, at least in Australia.