Home & Away' to get new "family" image

[Perdita]

Home and Away star Ray Meagher has predicted that the soap will alter its values in the New Year.

The Australian actor, who has played Summer Bay local Alf Stewart for 22 years, said that the storylines will be more light-hearted after bosses decided the series had strayed from its original formula.

Meagher told AAP: "We've had too many guns and balaclavas and bank robberies and that sort of thing. We're going back to a family show.

"We'll still have teenage angst. What I've been agitating for is to have a good belly laugh or at least a nice warm smile each quarter hour in there.''

Meagher revealed that a female character will be returning to move in with Alf next year and that caravan park owner Miles will play an important part in producer Cameron Welsh's bid for more comedy.

The changes coincide with the cast's recent disciplinary crackdown after Todd Lasance's drug arrest at the Christmas party.

[Dazzle]

I hope they don't change it too much. I bit of comedy would be good, sure, but all the over-the-top drama and tragedy is what makes Home & Away different to other soaps.

[Abbie]

It cant get too light hearted

[Katy]

Me to I love how home and away is with the big stories. I hope they don't change it too much

[*-Rooney-*]

Yeah me too i love all the big stories, that get u gripped to ur seats

[Abbie]

Yeah! I dont want it to turn into neighbours

[freckleface]

Yeah! I dont want it to turn into neighbours

lol, yeah. comedy is good now and then, but with characters like Colleen there are funny moments anyway.

[Abbie]

I think this could be a bad move for the soap

[Katy]

I think this could be a bad move for the soap

me to.

[*-Rooney-*]

definately, i like the serial killer storys and sad deaths (belle in particular),

if they turn it into a happy family soap itll be boring