Most Popular Character 2006: 1-5

As we reveal the Top 5, we take a look at what some of our forum members have been saying about their favourite characters.

	1. Sally Fletcher (389 points) ▲6 Played by Kate Ritchie Sally has moved up significantly in just under two years, an also-ran to a winner. On many occasions members on this site have asked for Sally to move to centre stage and Dan Bennett has been their fairy godmother. Sally has been through a lot, but this news will make Flynn's death feel worthwhile - yes, that's just how important I've decided to make this poll.
	2. Irene Roberts (309 points) ▼1 Played by Jacqy Phillips & Lynne McGranger Irene may no longer be in first place overall, but her fall to second is no disgrace, especially considering the powerful stories Sally has been given over the past year and half. "Irene arrived in Summer Bay as the alcoholic mother of two children being fostered by Pippa. Having hit rock bottom after an unhappy marriage and having hit the grog in despair she turned her life around and carved out a niche for herself as the carer of many a troubled teenager. She moved on from being the town drunk to being one of the town’s most loved and respected residents. Irene’s appeal is huge and she is loved by both Summer Bay residents and by viewers alike. Irene, more than anyone, instinctively knows the meaning of unconditional love. Irene collects waifs and strays like others collect money off coupons, stamps or knick knacks; she just cannot help herself. Whatever strife or trouble the kids give her she will support them, defend them, worry over them, and love them, no matter what the personal cost to herself. Like a lioness with her cubs, for Irene the kids will always come first. As Tasha once said, “No one ever loved me like you do.” Irene has been unlucky in love. Her husband left her and then died, her fiancé Ken died shortly before their wedding. Her relationship with the younger Paris did not stand the test of time and he left. Barry, who many think is the love of her life, has had to leave and only time will tell if she moves on or waits for his return. Irene is the quintessential Aussie battler who, according to my husband, has a killer smile, a wicked laugh and a heart as big as Australia. Irene is always among the first to stand up for what is right and just, and is no soft touch. She can put her foot in it and get it horribly wrong but her intentions are usually good and she is forgiven.She is always on hand to support her friends. She can be judgemental and very gobby at times but her fallibilty, when compared with some of the more"perfect" characters, makes her more real and human. Whatever life throws at her, and life has thrown one hell of a lot at Irene, she picks herself up and gets on with it. There remains in Irene an unswerving hope and an unshakeable belief that somehow things will turn out good in the end. During the last year she has seen Kirsty and Kane run off to escape the law, Hayley leave to live in France, supported Hayley, Scott and Kim through paternitygate, coped with the death of Chloe and the subsequent dispute over Chloe's daughter, she punched Diana's nose; she went off for jury service, and then went crazy and was carted off to a psych unit after being poisoned by Corey. She dealt with Tasha being inviegled into a cult, Kim being on drugs, and with a whole host of trials and tribulations at The Diner and at home, the biggest shock of all being Barry's departure. This last year has been an odd one, and quite a few fans felt that Dan Bennett had not quite "got" Irene, and that some of the writing for her was not quite Reenie, thankfully, that seems to be less of a problem of late. Irene is one of the most rounded and grounded characters on the show and has been played by Lynne McGranger since 1993. Lynne has brought warmth, laughter and tears to the role and inspires a loyal and affectionate following from fans the world over." Written by Chatter Box
	3. Morag Bellingham (190 points) ▲2 Played by Cornelia Frances Kit and Morag's inclusion would seem to indicate that less is more. "I never watched during the time that Cornelia Frances was a regular character on the show, but her guest appearances from 2001 onwards have had an impact to say the least... She’s a woman who does what she has to do, and says what she’s inclined to say, without agonising over what people will think of her... and the patronising and verging-on-bitter remarks that she comes out with sometimes... the “Stupid woman!” remarks aimed at Colleen, and the “presumptuous little upstart” comment to Josh, amongst others, manage to say exactly what no one else dares to actually come out and say... with the tone in which they’re presented not so much nasty as ‘matter-of-fact’... wonderful lines with equally fantastic delivery. I’ve never had the delight of seeing her, Alf and Celia in the same scene, and would adore a full Stewart sibling reunion, if just to see the interaction between the three. The constant bickering between Alf and Morag is just hilarious... comedy genius. She’s the sort of woman you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of, and yet would also be invaluable to have on your side in an argument... a woman to be reckoned with, who will happily combat the forces of evil... she went head-to-head with Angie, put her career on the line to get Dani released from prison, and also took on Josie. Her encounters with Diana, with Josh and with many a "worth foe" have left us all feeling that Morag is a force to be reckoned with. And yet despitel the hard front and bitterness there are the rare compassionate moments to prove that she is indeed human, the tears she shed whilst Alf was at his lowest during his tumour being truly touching. She more recently showed a compassionate side when supporting Barry as he left Summer Bay. A classic character and absolute credit to the show, and I’m delighted to have Cornelia back gracing our screens so frequently." Written by Claire
	4. Kit Hunter (172 points) ▲4 Played by Amy Mizzi Kit is quite unique as she seems to have gained popularity after the leaving the show. To be fair she hasn't really left the show, she's just been taken off the opening credits and has returned approximately a thousands times since. "Kit & Tasha would have made a brilliant couple. Don't forget when Kit sang to Tasha to make her talk!" Tainted Muse "We all saw Kit as an alcoholic and a rebel, period. However, when Tasha came along, the way she and Kit interacted showed us a different side to Kit. I liked that." Liz "I hope Kit returns full time, as the Hunters are a bit depleted now with Henry & Scott leaving, as there is now only Beth, Robbie and Matilda left, plus Graham, but according to the rumour mill he hasn't got long left, and perhaps Robbie also." c120701 "I believe she has great potential and I really love the rebellious, passionate characters like her who are prepared to take on the world. We all know that she has her character flaws but life around her is never dull or boring." john003au
	5. Jack Holden (153 points) ►NEW Played by Paul O'Brien There a few things that every character must have to reach the top 5. The character needs to be played by a supremely skilled actor that allows him to command each scene with such power that you can believe that it is real. He needs to have hard hitting storylines that draw you into their world, stories that make you want to laugh and weep. In the absence of these things you also need the casting to pick someone that teenagers across the world will go soft at the knees over and even if the character is possibly the worst police officer in the world and has storylines which are as deep as a puddle, they'll still think he's the best thing since sliced bread. I think that they are so great because they haven't just jumped straight into a stable relationship. their storylines (what we've had of them so far, which i might add hasn't really been too many) have kept me in suspense waiting to find out if they will ever get together. Good script writing! And I feel that when the pair of them have been in the show for a longer time and have had more storylines together, it will give their characters more of a chance to shine through. linzie mac01 BUT it was cute that he admitted he knew about the gun because he chose her over his job and didn't want her to go down for Josh's murder because he loves her. I just want them to have more fun with each other like before and maybe not rush into the marriage front and babies. XS-I-A-NX

<Return to Index