Pippa Fletcher/Ross - Vanessa Downing & Debra Lawrance

[Skylover]

I have heard members of the public when I tell them I like the early years of Home and Away say that they found the 2nd Pippa 'over the top'. I don't see that. I love Vanessa's version of Pippa better than Debra's 1990-1993 version but by 1995 I really think Debra's version had actually surpassed Vanessa's version. Her presence just felt comforting to the show, does that make sense?

I think the transition of the Pippa character is one of the most interesting things in television, as it's just not clear-cut. I do think Debra taking over from Vanessa immediately led to a lengthy transition period until the 2nd Pippa became accepted, something which took years, and something we are seeing now with the character of Michelle Fowler on EastEnders (though there was a 20 year gap there).

Has anyone else heard the myth that Pippa had been played by loads of people? I've often told people I know there were only 2 Pippas but I think some people think there were 3 for some reason  (I know technically there were 3, but only 2 screen-wise).

Edited July 9, 2017 by Skylover

[c120701]

I agree that Vanessa & Debra's Pippas are almost two different people. Debra could be very harsh at times, but she felt very real too, she did make mistakes with the kids. I think she has been helped by her returns where we only saw her best sides, but Vanessa's Pippa did also have the harsh sides, but I think she was a bit quicker to apologise.

[Homeandawayfan.]

Carol Wilessee played Pippa in the pilot but the original scenes were re-recorded with Ness playing Pippa as Carol had quit. Also Jackie Woodburne aka Susan Kennedy applied twice for the role but never got it.

[samdanfan]

3 hours ago, Homeandawayfan. said:

Carol Wilessee played Pippa in the pilot but the original scenes were re-recorded with Ness playing Pippa as Carol had quit. Also Jackie Woodburne aka Susan Kennedy applied twice for the role but never got it.

Looks like Jackie made a good career choice and unlike other actors seems content and happy at her situation.

[Blaxland 89]

Can anyone imagine the zac burgess story with Debra 

[j.laur5]

4 hours ago, Blaxland 89 said:

Can anyone imagine the zac burgess story with Debra 

No and I can't imagine Debra singing at a contest in 1988!. 

I can imagine Debra's Pippa with Tom and I have actually grow to imagine Vanessa's Pippa with Michael. 

[Homeandawayfan.]

Gets you thinking doesn't it? Debra's Pippa with Tom and Vanessa's with Michael. Both Pippa's were significantly different to one another. Tom was quite a strong willed man and could be quite fiery as could Debra's Pippa so I am sure they both would have ruled the roost together if Tom had stayed for a while longer. They would not take any crap off people.

[Skylover]

6 hours ago, Homeandawayfan. said:

Gets you thinking doesn't it? Debra's Pippa with Tom and Vanessa's with Michael. Both Pippa's were significantly different to one another. Tom was quite a strong willed man and could be quite fiery as could Debra's Pippa so I am sure they both would have ruled the roost together if Tom had stayed for a while longer. They would not take any crap off people.

I don't think they were that different, Debra just seems like an older version to me. I don't get where this 'Debra's Pippa could be harsh' stuff comes from. Mind you, she did really let rip at Jack when he left the oven on that time  

[j.laur5]

I think too is that Vanessa and Debra play Pippa on how they are as mums in real life because after all Pippa is a simple type of character!. 

[Spinach]

I always found Debra's Pippa to be colder. I'm not sure why... Debra's Pippa is the first Pippa I remember - so she should be the one I'm fondest of - but after seeing Vanessa's Pippa I feel like she nailed the part: she was warm and loving but could be tough when she needed to be. Especially in 1989 and 1990 I feel she got more material with which to develop.