Celia Stewart

[Perdita]

A handful of Home and Away casting and character updates have emerged today (September 3), with one familiar face returning to Summer Bay and some new arrivals on the way too.

Following weeks of discussion among fans, Fiona Spence has spoken for the first time about her return to the soap. The actress is currently back on set to reprise her role as Alf's sister Celia Stewart, who was last seen in 2005.

Spence told TV Week: "I've been in and out, but I'm back there now doing some stuff."

The magazine has also confirmed that former Hey Dad…! actress Rachael Beck is to play a physiotherapist named Lisa, who will be helping Dexter Walker with his recovery following the recent car crash on Australian screens.

Meanwhile, Sea Patrol and Underbelly: Razor star John Batchelor will appear as one of Harvey Ryan's best friends, and ex-E Street actor Richard Huggett will be popping up in an as-yet-unknown role.

[Perdita]

'Home and Away star Fiona Spence has expressed her delight over her return to the soap, revealing that she was "thrilled" to reprise her role as Celia Stewart.

Celia arrives back on UK screens next week as she turns up in Summer Bay to see her niece Roo (Georgie Parker) tie the knot with Harvey Ryan (Marcus Graham).

http://i1.cdnds.net/13/06/618x445/fionaspence_plays_celiastewart_3.jpg
© Channel 5


Fans can expect Celia to stick around in the Bay for a few weeks, giving her a chance to re-connect with her brother Alf (Ray Meagher).

Spence told Digital Spy: "I was thrilled to be asked back again. I've always loved playing Celia and that's not going to change. I was last on the show in 2005 and it was wonderful to come back. I was filming across a couple of months, so Celia will be around for a while."

Discussing Home and Away's recent achievement of reaching 25 years on the air, the actress continued: "It's fantastic - the show just keeps on going. It's a wonderful show and I'm pleased to be in it. It's an incredible milestone in this industry.

"If I knew the secret of its success, I'd be producing television shows for a living, but for Home and Away, it has to come down to the people and the stories. It's well acted and well shot, and the sea and surf in Summer Bay has to be one of the best-loved landscapes on television."

UK viewers will see that Celia takes a while to warm to Harvey when she reappears on screen next week.

Spence explained: "Celia arrives for the wedding of Roo and Harvey with Morag. Colleen also turns up, so it's a big reunion for Alf and his sisters. I can hint that Celia has a lot of opinions about Roo's choice in Harvey as her partner.

"Her very first meeting of Harvey is a funny scene. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say there is a case of mistaken identity and Harvey is in his underpants!

"Celia is absolutely supportive of Roo, but I don't believe she will ever think anyone is good enough for Roo. That means Harvey has his work cut out for him winning over Celia."

Spence noted that it was "wonderful" to be reunited with co-stars Ray Meagher, Cornelia Frances, Lyn Collingwood, Lynne McGranger and Emily Symons when filming her scenes.

On the new cast members she met, the 64-year-old continued: "I just adored working with Georgie. She has terrific energy on set and our scenes were always enjoyable.

"I'm impressed with all of the new cast members as I've watched the show and enjoyed their work. I did a bit of work with Dan Ewing, which I loved, and I found the entire younger cast to be so welcoming and wonderful."

The actress also told Digital Spy that she has many fond memories of working on Home and Away, having first appeared on the soap in 1988.

She said: "It is hard to pick any particular memories from all the wonderful years as Celia. She has passed judgement on all of Summer Bay's residents, which was often very fun to play. I have very fond memories of returning for Alfred's 60th birthday as it was a lovely reunion with some other cast as well."

Asked if she would be open to returning again in the future, Spence replied: "I've always loved playing Celia, so the answer is yes."

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.15pm and 6pm on Channel 5 in the UK, and weekdays at 7pm on Network Seven in Australia.

[Perdita]

Also coming up, Celia Stewart considers leaving Summer Bay after confessing that she has a gambling problem.

After days of deceiving her brother Alf regarding her financial mess, Celia (Fiona Spence) finally reveals that she only has herself to blame after betting away her savings.

Celia explains that while she wasn't desperate for money, she enjoyed the thrill and excitement of gambling. However, Alf strongly disapproves of her behaviour.

The next morning, Celia decides to make a quiet exit without saying goodbye, but Marilyn Chambers urges her to talk to Alf again. Will Alf show any sympathy?


Home and Away airs these scenes on Tuesday, March 5 at 1.15pm and 6pm on Channel 5.

[Katy]

I had a feeling that it would be gambling which was the reason she had lost all her money and had no where to go.

I loved the scene with alf and all his sisters last week

[Katy]

I had a feeling that it would be gambling which was the reason she had lost all her money and had no where to go.

I loved the scene with alf and all his sisters last week