Bevan speaks about Departures

This article contains spoilers, please do not read if you do not wish to read spoilers.

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Bevan Lee, Seven Network Script Executive and current Script Producer of Home and Away, has been reading the BTTB Forum and wished to explain a little about the number of upcoming departures (of which more are to be announced), which have had forum members become rather worried about the future of their favourite show:

No doubt the fans are disturbed by the number of actors choosing to not re-sign their contracts. This has always been a factor with the show, and even more so these days with the lure of Hollywood, although it is unusual to have this number choose to move on at the same time. Trust me, none of these departures are write outs. In each case the actor chose to leave. As I’m a glass half full sort of guy, I prefer to embrace this as a storyteller to allow me to tell exciting stories that give the actors interesting departures and lead those characters who remain in to exciting new drama. Dan’s departure will do great honor to both the character and Tim’s excellent work in bringing him to life. As I created the character of Dan Baker during my last stint as Script Producer, I am glad to be around to see Dan get the send-off he deserves. This story leads Leah in to moving and interesting new story areas. Those who have been screaming for Leah to get her own story, trust me she gets it now that Dan is leaving. And NO, they will NOT break up. To do that to them would betray you the viewers and the love you have for them as a couple. Rhys’s character of Lucas follows the time honored tradition in “Home and Away” of sending kids off to Uni when they get to a certain age. His departure puts Tony in to the interesting position of being virtually a single man again, and this propels him in to a great new romantic triangle. For those fans who love him, Lucas’s leaving makes HotDad hotter than ever. There are also some really compelling new characters coming in to the show and the return of one old villain will change the lives of many favorites forever. The fans can trust my promise that the Bay may be losing some popular residents, but the show will be more exciting than ever.

Many thanks to Bevan!