Home and Away's Darryl 'Brax' Braxton has been at the centre of the soap's biggest storylines since his arrival in early 2011, and with more dramas ahead for him in upcoming episodes, that doesn't look likely to change anytime soon.
In real life, Steve Peacocke - who plays Brax - has secured a nomination for 'Best Daytime Star' at the Inside Soap Awards, which take place in London next month.
Steve recently caught up with Digital Spy for a quick chat about his nomination and what's ahead for Brax.
Congratulations on your nomination for 'Best Daytime Star' at the Inside Soap Awards. How does it feel to be in the running?
"It's great and such a surprise. Every time we roll up for a take, I forget that it's not just the cast and crew on set that see our work, but the whole of our Aussie audience - and UK audience! It's really heartening to know that so many viewers are enjoying our show and that I can play a small part in the process."
How do you rate your chances?
"There are some really talented people nominated, so I don't rate my chances all that highly. It'd be great to bring home an award from the UK though."
Home and Away is also up for the 'Best Daytime Soap' prize. Can you tell us why you think people should vote for the show this year?
"I can't really. I'm not a big fan of self-promotion and when it comes to theatre, film, TV or even sport, I'm all for voting with your feet - or your remote control! If you love something, you love it, no-one can convince you otherwise. And if the viewers out there enjoy the show as much as we all love making it, we could be in with a shot…"
It's been another busy year for you on Home and Away so far. What have the highlights been?
"I really enjoyed the storylines with Andy McPhee, who plays our dad on the show. He was great to work with and I learnt a lot from him. And what's coming up in the weeks after his arrival was AWESOME to shoot. Very different to everyday Summer Bay…"
Will the Brax and Danny animosity always remain?
"They hate each other. That won't change! It just makes things very dangerous for everyone."
This year has been different for you because you're not working with Esther Anderson (Charlie) anymore. Has that changed life for you on set much?
"Esther was loved by everybody on set and everyone misses her a lot. Though it's good to know that the Charlie character is still such a big part of Brax's storyline and history. The tattoo he got for her - Cara de mo chroi (friend of my heart) - never leaves his side."
Natalie Davison is Brax's current love interest. Do you think this could become a serious relationship, or is Brax just wanting a bit of fun?
"Brax is a pretty complicated bloke and also very protective - of himself and his family. He's not the type to go along with something just for the ride. Charlie was unique and will always hold a special place in his heart, but he needs to move on. Natalie's a pretty special woman, so yes it will be serious for him."
Given how popular the Brax and Charlie pairing was, were you nervous about how fans would react to a new romance story for your character? What kind of a reaction have you seen so far?
"The reaction has been mixed, mostly because people miss the whole Charlie and Brax storyline. But the new relationship has been equally exciting to play and is taking a new direction. I think fans are really starting to see it as something new and enjoying it.
"It needed to be a slow burn for Brax, but the writers threw in a storyline that ignites the relationship in a big way. Viewers can look forward to one of the biggest storylines the show has ever put to air. Shooting it was one of the best weeks of my life, and we were a very long way from Summer Bay."
From interviews you gave at the time, it sounded like Brax's cage fighting story was a real challenge for you. Is there any more material on the way which has really pushed you?
"It was an awesome storyline and I really hope we can return to it sometime in the future. The funny thing is, almost every scene or storyline pushes you in different ways. I try so hard to make my work real and true to the given circumstances of the story."
How long would you like to stay on Home and Away for? Will you be around for the 25th anniversary in January, and if so, are you looking forward to it?
"A long time. Yes and yes!"
Can you give us any final hints on what is next for Brax?
"I can't actually tell you. Some actors on our show like to know what's going on with their characters three months in advance, but I like to find out as it's happening. Every Sunday arvo I sit down with a cup of tea - or a long neck - put on some Frank Zappa and read what happens next. It's more exciting for me that way!"
Love many, trust few, always paddle your own canoe