Sasha Bezmel (Demi Harman)
Home and Away has embarked on a teen domestic abuse storyline in recent weeks, exploring a turbulent relationship between show newcomer Sasha Bezmel and River Boy Stu Henderson.
Fans of the soap have seen Stu (Brenton Thwaites) lose his temper and get violent with Sasha on a number of occasions, but he has always managed to charm his way back into her affections.
UK viewers will see the situation escalate in the coming days as Sasha's father Sid (Robert Mammone) finally discovers what is going on - resulting in a shocking intervention.
Here, Digital Spy chats to 18-year-old Demi Harman - who plays Sasha - about the storyline.
How are you finding life at Home and Away?
"I've been on the show for nine months now, so I have well and truly settled. Everyone was very welcoming when I first started and now they all just feel like family."
How did you feel about taking on such a hard-hitting storyline so early in your Home and Away career?
"I was scared, but excited at the same time. Anti-violence is something that I am extremely passionate about. It was a really challenging storyline, but one I felt was necessary to my character's development."
Did you know the story was on the way as soon as you joined the show?
"No! It was unexpected!"
Did you do much research for the storyline?
"Yes, I researched a variety of the anti-abuse blogs and websites, such as White Ribbon and The Line, and also studied the psychology behind it."
What kind of a reaction have you seen to the story so far?
"It has been shocking for audiences to see this other side to Stu, but there has also been positive feedback on Home and Away tackling domestic abuse in teenage relationships."
The scenes where Stu hits Sasha are quite heavy, so what were they like to film?
"They were heavy indeed, but both Brenton and I understood how serious it was. It was important not to take those feelings home with you and we supported each other off set and made sure there were still some fun times while filming."
Sasha seems to be convinced by Stu every time he asks her for forgiveness. What's going through her mind?
"When it comes to what's going on in Sasha's head, I think she reminds herself that as much as Stu hurts her, she genuinely loves him enough to want to help him stop doing what he's doing.
"That's the frustrating part - Sasha sees Stu's true colours the first time, but doesn't act on it. She puts up with it for a really long time until it becomes a public scene."
Here in the UK, we'll soon see the season finale week where Sid intervenes in the situation by attacking Stu. Can you tell us about that?
"Yes, the finale is extremely intense! When Sid discovers the truth, he then takes matters into his own hands. While some people understand Sid's protectiveness over his children, it does bring to light in the Summer Bay community the issue of trying to solve violence with violence."
What kind of impact would you like the storyline to have?
"I feel so grateful to have had such an opportunity to play the victim in this storyline. My hope is that if anyone is in a situation like Sasha, as hard as it is to escape, that they seek help and confide in people they trust."
Beyond this storyline, can you give us any hints on where things could be heading for Sasha this year?
"Things get worse before they get better. Keep watching!"
On a lighter note, who have you bonded with on set over the past few months?
"Sam [Samara Weaving]! She's my half-sister on the show, but feels like my full sister in real life. Charles [Cottier] is also extremely fun to work with, he always makes me laugh."
The part of Sasha is one of your first acting roles. Do you feel like you're learning a lot from your time on Home and Away?
"Absolutely! It's been the best experience so far! I am so grateful and excited to come to work and be Sasha every day."
What are your hobbies and interests when you're not busy filming?
"I make record handbags! And I sell them on Etsy, my shop is called 'Demrock'. Other than my bags - I love running, tennis and yoga. I also love sewing, baking, beaching and shopping."
'Home and Away' Robert Mammone interview: 'Sid feels sad over Sasha'
Home and Away's Walker family face a rollercoaster of emotions on UK screens in the coming days as they deal with the fallout from Sasha's shocking confession.
Sasha (Demi Harman) recently told her father Sid that she was responsible for Stu Henderson's death, but she's relieved when he immediately promises to stand by her.
Sid then recruits Morag (Cornelia Frances) to help in defending his daughter, and she takes Sasha into the police station to explain the truth behind Stu's demise. It appears to be a clear case of self-defence, but will the authorities see it that way?
Digital Spy recently had a quick chat with Robert Mammone, who plays Sid, to hear his take on the storyline.
What is Sid's reaction to the news that Sasha killed Stu?
"While shocked, Sid quickly moves on to support Sasha, as he totally believes that it was an accident. He actually feels sad and disappointed in himself that Sasha didn't feel safe enough or trust that Sid would support her if she told him the truth from the start of the problems."
Morag gets involved in the situation and takes charge. How much of a help is she to the family?
"You don't try and tackle a situation like this without legal expertise - and that's what Morag is. But most importantly, she brings a sense of confidence that everything will be okay.
"Later, though, the police discover that Sasha hasn't been entirely honest with them about the events leading up to Stu's death. Sid is a little frustrated by this development, mostly because it gives the police reason to pursue murder charges."
A few people have doubted Sid over Stu's death, including his own children. Is there any sense of relief that he's no longer in the frame?
"Any relief is minimal as Sid had nothing to hide and is not intimidated by the law. Sid understood that he would be a prime suspect given the beating he dished out to Stu, so he also understood that there would be some who doubted his innocence. However, it did hurt that his own family were among the doubters."
Does Sid find it difficult to forgive the people who suspected he was responsible for Stu's death?
"Well, it's a tough time for all. Sid recognises that his behaviour contributed to the doubters, so forgiveness is not difficult at all."
Dex and Indi go out of their way to support Sasha. Is this situation bringing the family closer together?
"Absolutely. Sometimes it takes a crisis to bring a family together. However, Stu was a well-liked, popular kid and after the confession, a group of students turn on Sasha. Things just go from bad to worse for her…"
Demi Harman is a relative newcomer to Home and Away, but she's been given a huge storyline. How do you think she's handled it?
"Demi is a lovely girl and a talented actress - she has handled this storyline like a veteran!"
What's ahead for Sid in the longer-term?
"Let's just say that things don't get any easier for him…"
Is there anything that you'd like to explore with him that you haven't done already?
"I'd like to him cut loose and enjoy himself a little!"
Sasha Bezmel (Demi Harman)
Home and Away star Demi Harman has revealed that her character Sasha Bezmel will be torn over whether to leave Summer Bay with her dad Sid Walker.
Sid (Robert Mammone) will accept a new job in Broken Hill and tell Sasha and Dex (Charles Cottier) that he wants them to come with him.
However, Sasha will be unsure over whether to leave or not, having just spent the night with boyfriend Spencer (Andrew Morley).
Harman said to TV Week: "Sasha is very torn. She's finally settled down and now Sid wants to pack up and leave. She doesn't particularly want to go, but she feels she needs to support her dad.
"She's enjoying that new relationship magic. It's fun and exciting, so Sid's news comes as a rude shock."
However, Sasha's doubts over her relationship with Spencer and his ex-girlfriend Maddy's interference make her feel that maybe it would be best if she left it all behind.
Harman said: "The whole Maddy situation - it's always hard when there is another girl disrupting the picture.
"She's scared she will get her heart broken again and have him keep going back to Maddy. If she leaves, that won't be an issue anymore."
Harman went on to say that Sasha's future in Summer Bay will be influenced by whether her brother Dex and his girlfriend April (Rhiannon Fish) decide to stay.
"If Dex and April decide to stay, there's more leverage for her to say, 'Dad, they're here to look after me, so why can't I stay as well?'"
It was reported earlier today that Charles Cottier and Rhiannon Fish are due to bow out of the soap.
