Mali Hudson (Kyle Shilling)

Indigenous theatre actor & dancer, Kyle Shilling has joined H&A to play character Mali Hudson (no details about his character etc as yet).


Daily Telegraph (subscription only) article:


"Getting The Write Idea

There's a new boy in Summer Bay.

Kyle Shilling, 28, will make his first appearance as Mali Hudson, a "cheeky surfer" with links to a Home and Away fan favourite, in January.

The TV newcomer from the Widjubal clan of the Bundjalung Nation is the only Aboriginal actor on set but tells Confidential the involvement of the entire production team in creating his character has been "awesome".

The long-running Aussie soap has employed an Aboriginal script consultant to help create Mali and his storylines.

"What that means to me is they're wanting to do this right, to tell the story of my character right, and wanting to represent my people and culture in the right way as well," Shilling said.

That includes small details like his wardrobe, art in Mali's home and his language.



EDIT:

New Home And Away Cast Member Revealed

https://globeecho.com/news/australia...mber-revealed/


Also:

https://7news.com.au/entertainment/h...aled-c-9027139

https://www.perthnow.com.au/entertai...dson-c-9037098

New character, Mali, made his first appearance in last night's Aust episode:

DS article:


Home and Away airs newcomer Mali Hudson's first scenes as his connection to Dean is revealed
Kyle Shilling joins the show's cast.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hom...udson-arrives/

Home and Away spoilers follow from Australian-pace episodes, which some UK viewers may prefer to avoid.

Home and Away has introduced newcomer Mali Hudson in the show's latest Australian episode.

Last month, the long-running soap announced that Kyle Shilling had joined the cast in the role of Mali, who'd have a connection with an established favourite.

With the show now back from its Christmas break, Wednesday's episode (January 11) on Channel 7 in Australia confirmed that Kyle is a friend and business contact of Dean Thompson.

When Mali turned up in the Bay, Dean introduced him to his partner Ziggy Astoni. It turned out that Mali is a surfboard shaper, who designs and builds the boards at Dean's shop.

John Palmer was one of the first Summer Bay residents to introduce himself, questioning Mali on whether he'd like to join the surf lifesaver team. Mali expressed his doubts as he doesn't live close enough to Summer Bay.

As Dean and Ziggy continued to chat to Mali at Salt, they realised that there might be a specific reason for his visit. However, Mali initially held back from telling them about what was going on.

New cast member Kyle is from the Widjabul clan of the Bundjalung Nation. Home and Away bosses have worked with an Aboriginal script consultant while devising plans for his character Mali.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnRUy...f-4af4703f16c4

Kyle recently told Perth Now: "If I had seen someone like me on a popular TV show when I was a kid, I would have been more driven as a young person to want to better myself and explore acting.

"As Indigenous people, we are always categorised as athletes; there was never any other avenue I thought I could go down. When you feel like you're stereotyped your whole life, that has a huge effect.

"Looking back on my 10-year-old self, if I had seen someone like Mali Hudson on such a big series, I would have wanted to be him."

Home and Away fans in the UK will see Mali's first scenes in March.

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.

In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7plus.

DS article:


Home and Away reveals Mali Hudson's future after debut scenes
Mali lands a new job in Summer Bay.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hom...hudson-future/

Home and Away spoilers follow from Australian-pace episodes, which some UK viewers may prefer to avoid.

Home and Away has revealed why new character Mali Hudson will be sticking around in Summer Bay.

Recent episodes in Australia have seen actor Kyle Shilling make his first appearance as Mali, who's a friend and business contact of Dean Thompson.

Mali's first episodes revealed that he lives a few hours up the coast from Summer Bay and was only visiting briefly to surprise Dean.

As Mali works as a board shaper ? creating the stock for Dean's surfboard shop ? Mackenzie Booth recruited him to produce a decorative gift for the new nursery at Dean and Ziggy Astoni's home. Dean and Ziggy are expecting their first child together.

Although Mali had no further reason to stay in Summer Bay, it soon became clear that Dean had other ideas.

Monday's episode in Australia (January 23) saw Dean try to tempt Mali into taking over some of his work responsibilities.

As Dean looked ahead to his baby's arrival, he realised that he needed someone to do shifts at the board shop and also lead his surfing classes.

A sceptical Mali pointed out: "I just don't want to waste your time. I've never taught or run a shop before."

Dean replied: "I had zero experience when I started, on both counts. Ziggy's dad took me on. I'll walk you through it, same way he did with me."

Mali was also unsure about spending less time with the large and loving family that he has up the coast.

In the end, though, Mali agreed to take on the new challenges ? although he insisted on going slowly with a limited number of shifts.

This means that viewers ? and Summer Bay's residents ? will be seeing much more of Mali in the coming weeks and months.

Home and Away bosses announced that Kyle had joined the cast last month.

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.

In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7plus.

Apparently he has a big family or so he says , every scene...


Why not have a new indigenous family arrive? It would be great !!

New Mali & Rose promo:


"Home and Away Promo| Can Rose convince Mali to stay?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOKEXd0lEcQ

Following on from the previous post. DS article:


Home and Away reveals new romance storyline for Mali Hudson
Sparks are flying...

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hom...-rose-romance/

Home and Away spoilers follow.

Home and Away has revealed a new romance storyline for newcomer Mali Hudson.

Mali first appeared on Australian screens last month, when Mackenzie recruited him to help make a decorative nursery gift before the birth of Dean and Ziggy's baby.

Although eager to return home to his family (who live a few hours up the coast), Mali decided to stay in Summer Bay after Dean offered him a job in the surfboard shop.

Now that Mali is officially sticking around, a new promo video has confirmed that sparks will fly between him and Rose Delaney.

The footage sees Mali approach Rose in the Surf Club, and other shots show a clear romance blossoming between the two.

"I still can't tell if you're a player or a sweet guy under this whole show," Rose remarks, to which Mali cheekily replies, "I guess you'll have to stick around and find out."

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CoLNd...9-e0256e496711

Kyle Shilling, who plays Mali and is the soap's first indigenous actor, recently said he wants to introduce the character's family to the Bay as well as explore their cultural heritage.

The show employed Māori cultural advisers when it introduced the Parata family in 2019, and an Aboriginal consultant is on board to help with Mali?s storylines.

"The [Parata] boys had their moments during the haka and stuff," he told Stuff.

"I can?t wait to have that moment of hopefully bringing cousins and family members and friends in to do this really beautiful kind of corroboree ceremony celebration for something to do with Mali or a friend or a family member. I?m really excited for that."

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.

In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7plus.

DS article:


Home and Away to bring in Mali Hudson's sister
Elandra makes her Down Under debut this week.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hom...ister-elandra/

Home and Away spoilers follow for both UK and Australian audiences.

Home and Away is bringing in Mali Hudson's sister this week.

Mali has currently been enjoying his blossoming romance with Rose Delaney, but the arrival of his sister Elandra ? played by Wentworth and True Colours star Rärriwuy Hick ? might throw a spanner into the works.

"The cat's out the bag. Guess who's visiting Summer Bay," wrote Hick on her Instagram page, sharing a first-look photo of the siblings together.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CpHP9qRL...c-6ee46b4c1d8f

In scenes airing this week, Mali and Rose spend the morning together in the caravan, but the couple's fun is interrupted when Elandra turns up on their doorstep unannounced and uninvited, leaving them scrambling to get dressed (via Australia's TV Week magazine).

Elandra wastes no time in accusing her sibling of moving to Summer Bay solely for a fling, and they start to argue, which causes Rose to shrink away in embarrassment.

The two women go for lunch at Salt together afterwards, where Elandra explains that Mali just upped and left his family without telling them beforehand. So, obviously, she's a bit miffed and wants him to come home.

Rose explains that Mali has really added a lot to the community since his arrival, and Elandra reluctantly admits that maybe life in Summer Bay is good for him.

Interestingly, as Rose is listing all of Mali's good points, she finds herself realising that she's developed real feelings for him.

"Rose is after something easy and fun; Mali is an exact encapsulation of that,'' said Kirsty Marillier of her character's romance with Mali.

"As their storyline unfolds, one thing that becomes obvious is how undeniable their chemistry is."

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.

In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7plus.

DS article:


Home and Away death storyline divides Mali Hudson and Rose Delaney
Their relationship hits the rocks.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hom...e-death-story/

Home and Away spoilers follow from Thursday's Australian episode (March 30), which some UK viewers may prefer to avoid.

Home and Away's Mali Hudson and Rose Delaney look set to face an uncertain future after a tragic death in Summer Bay.

This week's episodes in Australia have seen Rose's brother Xander left devastated by a fatal attack against his work partner Jamie.

When Xander and Jamie were both on duty as paramedics, they were beaten up by a group of bat-wielding thugs, who were looking to steal drugs from the ambulance.

Xander later recovered in hospital, but Jamie sadly died at the scene.

In Thursday's episode on Channel 7 in Australia, Rose became determined to seek justice for the attack.

While Xander was still recovering in hospital, Rose organised a police sting operation to catch out the drug dealer who'd masterminded the attack.

This shocked the family-orientated Mali, who felt that Rose should be concentrating on staying at Xander's bedside.

In a chat with Rose's police colleague Cash Newman, a worried Mali asked: "Why is she putting this case before her brother? It feels like she's doing it for herself. Was she always like this?"

Cash replied: "In a crisis, yes. She is extremely good at her job. I'd be doing the same thing. So why don't you just get used to it, mate? It's all part of dating a cop."

Later, Rose was relieved when her plan led to an arrest. She then felt ready to turn her attentions back to Xander ? as well as Mali, who she'd spent the day pushing away.

Unfortunately, Rose soon realised that Mali saw her differently after observing her priorities during the upsetting events.

Mali complained: "I just don't think you're who I thought you were. You've done nothing but shut me down this whole time but now it's all good? I don't get that. I was the one sitting in the hospital with your brother all night."

When Rose questioned whether Mali was ending things between them, he confirmed that he was. Is it really the end of their story?

Home and Away fans in the UK will see these scenes on Channel 5 in May.

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.

In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7plus.

DS article:


Home and Away lines up another change in Mali and Rose's storyline
Will they get back together?

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hom...i-rose-change/

Home and Away spoilers follow from Australian-pace episodes, which some UK viewers may prefer to avoid.

Home and Away has hinted that there's still hope for Mali Hudson and Rose Delaney's romantic future.

Upcoming episodes see Mali realise that he may have made a huge mistake by letting Rose go.

A few weeks ago, Australian-pace episodes saw Mali end his relationship with Rose shortly after her brother Xander was beaten up by thugs with baseball bats.

Rose had chosen to focus on bringing Xander's attackers to justice through her position in the police, rather than staying by her sibling's bedside at the hospital. Mali saw this as Rose turning her back on Xander and decided that he couldn't be with someone who didn't share his family-focused priorities.

Since the break-up, Mali and Rose have made their peace with each other and have tried their best to be friends. However, this week's episodes in Australia see the story take another twist as Mali's sister Elandra decides to interfere.

Rose is baffled when she receives a revealing call from Elandra and confides in Xander, telling him: "Apparently [Mali] still likes me and he shouldn't have dumped me."

Mali, meanwhile, openly admits that something doesn't feel quite right in the aftermath of his split from Rose. When the former couple come face-to-face for a chat, is there a chance they could reunite or has Elandra stirred things up unnecessarily?

Home and Away fans in the UK will see these scenes on Channel 5 in July.

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.

In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7plus.

DS article:


Home and Away confirms shock new accident for Mali Hudson
Danger in the Bay

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hom...t-mali-hudson/

Home and Away fans are in for a fright as upcoming tense scenes have been released showing avid surfer Mali Hudson in danger.

The soap has dropped a short but gripping trailer for next week's episodes, which will air in Australia and later in the summer in the UK, of Mali (Kyle Shilling) heading out to catch some waves.

Mali has had issues with his eardrum since he was caught in an explosive storyline - which could prove deadly as he heads out on the water alone.

Mali got wrapped up in Marilyn's (Emily Symons) battle against Stunning Organics last month where she spoke out about the shady skincare company. Shortly after doing so a bomb was discovered in a mysterious package addressed to her.

In a heroic pursuit, Mali chased the van containing the bomb and managed to warn the driver and passenger to get out before it detonated but, in doing so, was sent flying when it blew, having not fully cleared the area.

Sharing a teaser trailer of what's to come on the show's official social media handles, the post was captioned: "It looks like paradise, but the dangers are deadly. Find out what happens on Monday from 7PM on @channel7 and @7plus."

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cthus...c-25a398aa6d1b

The serene video starts with Mali looking out to the ocean as calm music plays.

As the clip continues, shots of the beach and Mali surfing appear as captions read: "It looks like paradise, but the dangers are deadly."

Going from calm and serene on the waves to shots showing him thrashing in the water distressed and the sound of heavy breathing, Mali clearly gets into some trouble.

Many fans of the show commented on the trailer presuming a shark had attacked him, whereas other feels it could be the fallout from the explosion impacting his ability to surf.

It has been teased by Back to the Bay that next week Rose (Kirsty Marillier) will try to warn Mali that it isn't safe for him to surf with his eardrum, but he ignores her anyway.

The platform also showcases some production images of Mali holding his hand to his ear in discomfort.

One fan commented: "Please don?t go Mali. It?s Definitely a SHARK" with another adding: "We?ve not have a shark for a while now, probably due one."

A third questioned: "Um, perforated ear drum?? Stay clear of surfing?? Gotta love how these characters completely ignore medical advice."

Viewers will have to tune in to see what the real danger is.

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.

In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7plus.

Nowtolove.com.au article:


Home And Away spoilers: A targeted attack rattles Mali and Rose
Who can Rose trust?

https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebri...reatened-78198

Rose's big declaration of love is overshadowed by an ominous threat this week when someone ransacks the Farmhouse. The question is who?

In Home And Away, Mali (Kyle Shilling) and Rose (Kirsty Marillier) are on an awkward footing after he casually said he loved her ? and then quickly took it back. While he meant what he said, Rose hoped it would be bigger, more romantic. If it had have been, she would have said it too.

After Mackenzie (Emily Weir) encourages policewoman Rose to share her feelings, she returns home inspired. She takes the night off and plans a surprise dinner at the Farmhouse.

Mali is later greeted by Rose, who blindfolds him and leads him home. But when they arrive, they're shocked to find the house trashed and her candlelit dinner on the floor.

A threatening message is scribbled across the tablecloth: 'Stay away from my wife."

Rose demands answers from Mali, but he insists he has no idea. With her heart in a knot, but a suspect to track down, Rose heads to the police station and calls in Mali for questioning.

He's livid ? does she really think he'd cheat?

"Rose needs someone she can trust," Kirsty tells TV WEEK. "But one thing that may become obvious is how undeniable the chemistry is between these two."

While Rose investigates a new lead in the case and busies her mind, Mali vents his frustration to Rose's half-brother Xander (Luke Van Os), complaining how things keep coming between them just when they appear to be back on track.

Xander says his sibling is a hothead who sometimes jumps to conclusions and advises him not to give up hope. But Mali is starting to wonder if they're just not meant to be.



EDIT; DS article:

Home and Away's Mali and Rose left shocked by mysterious threat
Who wrote the message?

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hom...se-threatened/

DS article:


Home and Away resolves Mali Hudson mystery after strange threat
"Stay away from my wife."

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hom...s-mali-threat/

Home and Away spoilers follow from Wednesday's Australian episode (July 12), which some UK viewers may prefer to avoid.

Home and Away has cleared Mali Hudson's name following suspicion that he could have cheated on Rose Delaney.

The couple's relationship hit another hurdle on Australian screens this week, as a mysterious threat appeared to suggest that Mali had been unfaithful.

The new storyline saw Mali arrive home at the farmhouse to discover that the place had been trashed.

A strange message had also been left on the tablecloth: "Stay away from my wife."

Rose witnessed the damage and was understandably keen to know who the "wife" was and why Mali was supposedly interested in her.

Mali was dismayed to realise that Rose could be doubting his loyalty. He then had to defend himself further when Rose's protective brother Xander also started asking questions.

However, as Wednesday's episode played out, it soon became clear that Xander himself had some crucial information to share which could crack the case.

Visiting Rose at the police station, Xander recalled how a woman had been flirting with him after he inadvertently attracted her attention while leading a surf class on the beach.

As Mali is the face of the surf business, Xander pointed out that the lady's jealous husband could have got the wrong end of the stick and targeted the farmhouse in a case of mistaken identity.

Xander told Rose: "The message, I don't think it was meant for Mali. It was meant for me. The mum of one of the surf students was very attentive.

"She also sent me a flirty voicemail."

Rose soon did some digging and realised that Xander's theory was correct, which meant that Mali was owed an apology.

As the couple made amends and tried to get back on track, will they finally be on stable ground for a while? And have we heard the last of the man who was upset with Xander?

Home and Away fans in the UK will see these scenes on Channel 5 in September.

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.

In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7plus.

rose is high maintenance ott clingy, mali is decent good hearted

i bet his wishes his hearing was still affected not to hear rose and zander, how does he put up with them

DS article:


Home and Away to introduce a new character for Mali Hudson storyline
It's time to meet another member of Mali's family.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hom...i-iluka-story/

Home and Away has announced that Mali Hudson's brother will be heading to Summer Bay.

Mali's older sibling Iluka arrives on screen in Wednesday's episode (June 5) at Australian pace, kicking off a big new storyline.

Iluka turns up just as Mali's relationship with his girlfriend Rose Delaney is back in a good place following recent tensions over Tane Parata's baby kidnapping case.

Mali isn't expecting to see Iluka and immediately questions what he's doing in town. Although Iluka claims that he's merely checking in for a catch-up with his younger brother, Mali can't help fearing there's more to it.

Later, Mali assures Rose that Iluka has no hidden agenda and she has nothing to worry about ? but there's sure to be more to it.

A report in Aussie magazine TV Week has revealed that Iluka is on the run from some dangerous figures who've caused trouble for him in the past.

Is it only a matter of time before Iluka's enemies follow him to the Bay ? and could Mali and Rose find themselves embroiled in the drama if they do?

Dion Williams has been cast in the role of Iluka.

Writing on his Instagram Stories this week, Kyle Shilling ? who plays Mali ? teased: "This storyline is something else, be sure you watch."

Home and Away fans were previously introduced to Mali's sister Elandra and mum Victoria last year.

Viewers in the UK will see Iluka's first scenes on Channel 5 next month.

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5, with repeat screenings at 6pm on 5STAR and first look screenings at 6.30pm on 5STAR. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK.

In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7Plus.

DS article:


Home and Away's Mali Hudson to fear danger in sibling story
Has Iluka made a big mistake?

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hom...hudson-danger/

Home and Away spoilers follow for Australian pace episodes, which some UK viewers may prefer to avoid.

Home and Away's Mali Hudson accuses his brother Iluka of bringing danger to his door in upcoming episodes.

Mali can't help fearing the worst after discovering that his troublesome sibling has arrived in Summer Bay with a suspicious bag of money.

Earlier this month, episodes on air in Australia saw Dion Williams take on the role of Iluka ? Mali's older brother.

Iluka initially claimed that he'd merely come to town for a catch-up with Mali, but he later admitted that he was lying low after upsetting some dodgy associates back home.

Despite the rocky start, Iluka got along well with Mali's girlfriend Rose Delaney and he also developed a romantic spark with Kirby Aramoana.

Thursday's triple bill of episodes in Australia (June 13) saw things go wrong again, as Mali accused Iluka of stealing after Justin Morgan's car briefly went missing.

Iluka was hurt over the allegation and Mali realised he'd got it wrong when Justin found out that his wife Leah had taken the car out without telling him.

Keen to prevent any further misunderstandings, Iluka let his pride get the better of him as he presented Mali with a bag containing $8,000. He was keen to prove that he had no need to commit petty crimes in the Bay.

Although Iluka hoped this would get Mali off his back, the opposite turns out to be true next week.

A panicked Mali worries about the source of the cash ? and also wonders how wise it was to move Iluka into his home if he's involved in serious crime.

Next week, Mali tells his brother: "You have rocked up to my house with a bag of stolen money, putting me and my housemates in danger. How stupid could you get?"

He later warns him: "If you keep going the way you're going, you're going to destroy your life completely."

Will Iluka listen to Mali? And is Mali right to worry that this could endanger him, Mackenzie, Tane and Levi?

Home and Away fans in the UK will see these scenes on Channel 5 in July.

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5, with repeat screenings at 6pm on 5STAR and first look screenings at 6.30pm on 5STAR. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK.

In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7Plus.

will new artist painter mali get back with rose or with kirby

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lizann

will new artist painter mali get back with rose or with kirby

---

There was a photo taken by someone visiting Palm Beach a little while back of filming, where it appeared that Mali & Abigail were kissing down on the beach. So, the speculation going around is that those two will get together.

Not a spoiler, but Kyle (Mali) will be appearing on Dancing With The Stars, Aust.

DS article:

Home and Away's Kyle Shilling lands new project away from the soap
The Mali Hudson actor will star in another Aussie favourite.

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/hom...ith-the-stars/

Nowtolopve.com.au article:

Dancing With The Stars: Kyle Shilling: "It still hurts"
The Home And Away star opens up about being mistaken for his twin, the advice he got from his co-star Emily Weir and how the judges' criticism really feels.

https://www.nowtolove.com.au/lifesty...kyle-shilling/

Kyle Shilling is used to being called by the wrong name. 
It started when he was a 
kid, growing up in country New South Wales with an identical 
twin brother.

"So, I've been known as Jesse for 31 years," he tells TV WEEK with a laugh.

When Kyle joined the 
cast of Home And Away 
in 2023, suddenly strangers started calling him by his character name.

"I was always known 
as Mali. I'd be walking downtown and I'd hear, 'Mali! Mali!'"

It's only since Kyle's been appearing on Dancing With The Stars that things have changed.

"It was the Monday after my first episode, and I was walking through 
a shopping centre and I heard this woman say, 'Oh, that's Kyle Shilling!' And I was like, 'Wait! What? You know me by my full name now'".

Kyle is the latest in a long 
line of Home And Away cast members to compete on Dancing With The Stars. He got plenty of advice from Emily Weir, who came runner-up in the show two years ago.

"She was so excited when she 
found out I was doing it and who I was partnered with," he says. "All she could tell me was: 'Have fun, work hard.' She knew that I had the potential to do it and the potential to go far, so she was great to speak to."

Dance has been important to Kyle since he was a teenager. His parents supported him when he decided to leave home to study dance at the age of 17.

"I wasn't heading down 
the right path," he admits. 
"So, when I picked up the opportunity to study this whole new world of dance, they were so supportive. They were upset to see me go, but so proud as well.

"I'm just so grateful to have them 
as parents."

Kyle, who grew up around Taree and later Tweed Heads, was thrilled to have his parents in the audience when he was performing on Dancing With The Stars.

"I had a sense of pride, seeing my mum there, all dressed up, looking beautiful, and my dad in something other than three-quarter board shorts and a singlet!"

The judges scored Kyle and his dance partner Lily Cornish harshly for their Viennese waltz, with Craig Revel Horwood saying it was more of a contemporary freestyle piece. Kyle admits the choreography was a risk, but believes it was 'beautiful'.
"It still hurts," he says. "You put so much time and effort into something and you end up falling in love with 
this piece of choreography, only to have it dismissed. But you've got to take a risk.

"That kind of criticism, it helps to push us further along."