Home and Away Denies Shock Storyline Claims
Home and Away’s Script Executive Dan Bennett today denied claims that a number of main characters will be killed off in an attempt to aid flailing ratings.
Australian magazine Woman’s Day claimed that an insider on the show told them several characters may be facing the axe, as a massacre looked set to take place in the peaceful bayside town.
The magazine stated that “The New Year looks set to kick off with a major culling of the younger and newer cast members.” Among the possible casualties are music teacher Phoebe Nicholson, bad boy Martin “Ash” Ashford, copper Kat Chapman and doctor Nate Cooper. The insider added, “Up to six characters could go in the massacre.”
The supposed insider continued and talked about how if the ratings boost doesn’t work, the show itself may face the axe. “After a soft year with ratings, they panicked and ended up spending a lot of money on research. It showed that die-hard Home and Away viewers only love the older established characters like Alf, Irene and Marilyn. That’s why they decided to kill off the younger cast.” When asked about the fate of the series, the insider said, “It’s do or die. If they get this wrong, it could mean the end of one of the longest-running series on TV.”
Bonnie Sveen, who has played Ricky Sharpe since 2013, was recently spotted filming what appeared to be her final scenes, fuelling speculation that she will leave the bay with lover Darryl ‘Brax’ Braxton. She was also seen receiving a paper bouquet from crew members, in what seemed like an emotional goodbye. Though she has denied the claims, Bonnie apparently talked to Woman’s Day about her rumoured departure, stating, “Next year, there’s going to be a lot of drama. It’s going to be a big shake-up because quite a few people are leaving. I think it will give the show a much-needed revamp – it’s what the future need. That’s why Home and Away is so successful, because it continues to adapt – when one season ends, a new one begins with a new flavour.“
Stephen Peacocke‘s return as the much-loved Darryl “Brax” Braxton is also mentioned as the insider states, “Steve’s return to the Bay was a big favour to the network, and it may just save the show.” This comes after news Stephen told Yahoo! Australia that his return storyline involves substance that hasn’t been tackled in the history of the series. “It is something that has never been done in the 27 years of the show. The producers put that to me and I went, ‘Yeah right! What hasn’t been done?’ But I read it and it hasn’t!” he stated. “It was good fun to do. It is not some big explosion or anything. It’s just a really cool episode.”
However it would seem that series script executive, Dan Bennett has discredited the article as completely untrue.
As for whether the rumour has any substance whatsoever, including Ricky Sharpe’s departure and the exit of others, remains to be seen. Check back for more information as it comes to hand.
Home and Away returns Monday, February 1st.